Astrology and Ayurveda

Yeddyurappa Out and Not Out?

2011-07-01T10:20:00.002+05:30

Karnataka is always in a shambles mode when it comes to CM's.

Yeddy is no brainer to loose. Yet he will be ousted from power, based on current planets position.

I think for sure - he will resign by end of the month. Mercury (communications, is in retrograde) and hence this will downfall based on Venus ( relatives, siblings, etc.. wrong doings. )

Based on current situation Shobha Karandlaje would be the best bet to take CM post.

I See you have lived many avatars

2010-06-07T08:31:00.000+05:30

A note from a reader of my blog... :-)

***

But where in the world are all these countries you lived in?

It would have sufficed to say I am a son of Bharath, not a Marati, Tamilian, etc. I have lived in abroad for most of life and to this day I say I am from Bharat, not New Delhi, till we say this with one mind and one sound - we will never unite. You supposedly foretell futures - are learned, I hope this helps you understand my frustration.No response necessary, just a comment. Thanks

Srikant Aiyar, P.M.P.

Be yourself,everyone else is taken.

--
Regards
Ramesh

Happy Ugadi / Gudipadwa

2010-03-16T19:13:00.002+05:30

Happy Ugadi / Gudi Padwa

Regards
Ramesh & Family

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T20:14:00.000+05:30

Happy New Year!

--
Regards
Ramesh
Joan Crawford - "I, Joan Crawford, I believe in the dollar. Everything I earn, I spend."

Happy Diwali

2009-10-15T17:12:00.000+05:30

Happy Diwali to Astrology and Ayurveda blog readers!

Guru Maya

2009-09-27T10:27:00.001+05:30

There is only perception. There is no reality.

What one might call reality is Maya, and that's the way I perceive it.

Is there a guru in the dog or the dog in a guru? Is the dog the guru or is the guru the dog?

If you think you are cheated you are. If you think you learnt a lesson, you have.

What is the nature of the unspoken transaction a disciple has with his or her guru? Only the disciple and the guru knows.

When all gurus fail, seek out your own guru within the stillness of your own consciousness looking at you without judgement or mirth. That guru is You.

***

Belief is like breathing! Believe me, I will give you Jeevan Mukthi!

Saturn Dasa and its effects

2009-09-08T19:46:00.006+05:30

My friend Vijay has done research on Saturn dasa, and with the impending Saturn Transit, he can provide very good analysis for a cost ( Indian Rs 1500 per chart - which goes towards a good cause - help poor kids in their education ).

Sani Dasa and it effects for 19 years

You can contact him, through his blog, and email - click here... .

Note - The money collected goes for a good cause, education for kids. Please feel free to donate. Few dollars at a time, saves so many kids education.

I understand that many of you, who have contacted have asked for free readings! Not acceptable! Wait till December 21st, 2012 for all free world!

The Terrifying Sade Sati?

2009-08-29T21:53:00.002+05:30

“Sade Sati” is an astrological time that many people are trained to fear. Saturn takes 2.5 years to transit from one sign. Sade Sati refers to a 7 ½ year period when the planet Saturn crosses over the sign prior to one’s Moon sign, the Moon sign, and one sign afterwards. The reason this time is feared is that the Moon and Saturn are considered enemies. The Moon is the quickest changing “planet” in our sky. Every day it displays a new Moon phase and completes one journey through the sky in approximately 28 days. Saturn on the other hand, is the slowest of all the planets. He is in no rush. Saturn in comparison is timeless and firm and “heavy” in the sense when he makes a change, it tends to be more deeply grounded.

One analogy is that Saturn builds coliseums and pyramids, structures that last for thousands of years and used by many; whereas the Moon creates something like a tent that can be erected for personal use for one night, and then moved. The Moon also signifies one’s mind and emotions. The sign that one’s Moon is in, describes the type of operating system that you have come in with. For instance, an Aries Moon will give one, a different mental operating system than someone with a Leo Moon sign.

As the slow moving Saturn approaches your Moon sign, there is a natural clash that most painfully can be felt as your mind and emotions are being forced into a particular new pattern, despite all the rebellion it may put up on you. Saturn is determined to erect a new coliseum in your mind that will be more eternal and of Service to others. Saturn takes approximately 29-30 years to cross all 12 zodiacs. The restructuring of the mind and emotions that Saturn brings during Sade Sati tends to create deep seated changes to one’s operating system, perspective and life that last for the next 30 years.

Below is briefly and generally what Saturn restructures during Sade Sati. Depending on which sign your Moon sign is (i.e. your operating system), the readings change:

House from Moon sign and Potential Changes

12th House: Giving it all up: Career, old life, etc. Seclusion, divorce, change of residence, enlightenment, in some cases fame, death of relatives, trouble with government or taxation

1st House (Moon sign) : Health, mental afflictions, depression, lack of support from others, inability to complete a goal, self-willed initiatives cannot complete as wanted but on “divine time”

2nd House : Restructuring of your Money and finances, misunderstood or ignored by family members, facial ailments, speech is misunderstood, depreciation of your assets.

During the time of Sade Sati each individual is brought to task on the core life issues they must learn. Sade Sati experiences vary widely. Some may lose the people they love, some may walk away from a Career they have been doing for many, many years, and some may experience new found levels of despair and mental depression. These negative experiences, which are part of our human existence, are there to push one to new levels of understanding. For instance, certain planetary configurations may make one very self-reliant and assured of oneself, so much so that he or she relies too much on his own competencies and capabilities and deny the existence of a higher power outside of oneself. When such a person undergoes Sade Sati, the person is subjected to personal loss and misfortune which brings him to his knees in emotional suffering. Everything that this person thought was true and in control, is now taken away from them or his integrity is challenged by others or confidence in his own capabilities looks only egotistical or foolish to the outside world.

Is Saturn cruel to do this? Yes and no. From a superficial material outlook, why would this esteemed person suddenly fall and lose their loved ones and Career? It would seem Saturn “has it out for them”. But remember, while Saturn is the cruel task master in the sense that he does not care if you suffer, he is also eternal and timeless. From a lifetime perspective, or multi-lifetime perspective, Saturn brings in new wisdom. This person will likely be reexamining what they thought was important. Perhaps they put too much value on position and a self-absorbed, overly self-reliant attitude. Now Saturn will make them pause more to value others contributions. He will also make them understand that ultimately we all go to our grave and how that means we value our day to day encounters.

On the positive side, many people who undergo Sade Sati find themselves propelled to even greater positions of responsibility and power. They develop discipline to do the hard work required to make something lasting and great, whether it is a company or in Service to others. They may also have Spiritual experiences.

How can you determine what Saturn has in store for you with your Sade Sati, or for that matter, with any transit he makes? There is an indication of the strength of a planet in each of one’s houses called “Ashtakavarga”. On a scale of 1 to 8 “bindus”, it will indicate how strong a planet, such as Saturn, is in ones houses. In relation to Sade Sati, one would ideally like a 4 or above to indicate the Saturn will bring one more benefits than sorrows. Individuals with only 1, 2 or 3 bindus will likely experience great tribulations. The above is an over-simplification of Ashtakavarga analysis as one’s Moon sign and Saturn’s rulership of other astrological Houses also flavors what is in store for ones Sade Sati.

***

My friend, Guru and Philosopher Shri Vijayashankar has done a very good research on Sade Sati - Sani Dasa and it effects for 19 years - with respect the actual Saturn Dasa in one's chart, that the general cycle, which helps people more than they expect from this 6 year cycle. Amazing results. Note - this is not a free service and he would charge for readings.

Saturn Transit and Results 2009

2009-08-29T21:41:00.002+05:30

Moon sign/Ascendant	Saturn transit from Moon sign/Ascendant	What will be favorable?	What will turn unfavorable?
Aries	Saturn in 6th house	You will have success and gains in your undertakings. You will also attain a good rank and position in your profession. Attaining spiritual goals will be your focus. You will be profited by a sudden sale of a property. A sudden gain in speculation is also on the agenda. You can also attempt for higher education, it will turn to be a success. You will win over your enemies.	Ailments in lungs and stomach are on the agenda. New debts may come your way, take care. You might have to face legal challenges. Inauspicious short journeys are also predicted. If you happen to believe any unreliable information, your neighbor, kith and kin will also turn to be your foe.
Taurus	Saturn in 5th house	You have great chances of getting relieved from ailments. A gain in a long term investment is on the agenda. You might get spiritually inclined during this period. Favorable change in profession and a promotion can be expected. Pleasurable long journeys are predicted for you.	Sudden loss in business undertakings is predicted for your zodiac, it is better to be careful. Disputes with your life partner, business partner and friends might occur, take care!
Gemini	Saturn in 4th house	You will get a permanent and stable position in your office. Purchasing of assets is on the agenda. Gains from patrimonial property can be expected. Entering into higher education is possible during this period. Repaying your debts will be the highlight of the period, all the best!	You might face ailments in the stomach or the nervous system, take care. Setback in comforts is predicted. Your mother may face health ailments, take precautionary steps. A loss in speculation is predicted, handle it with care.
Cancer	Saturn in 3rd house	Unexpected gifts. Sudden gains are awaiting you. You will receive voluntary assistance from others. Patrimonial property issues will be settled. Enemies will surrender to you. Litigation, trails and turbulence will turn to be favorable for you. You will Succeed in all new ventures you undertake.	You might face problems or conflicts with your siblings. Siblings’ related issues may cause you worries. Your subordinates at job will cause trouble to you. Your father might have to face dangers, take care of him. You will receive some sad messages. Planed journeys will not work as planned leading you to frustration, take proper care of everything.
Leo	Saturn in 2nd house	You are about to a get great job. Marriage functions are on the agenda. You will be benefitted by departing from s business partner. Possibility of regaining a lost wealth can be expected.	You may face complicated ailments in your eyes and ears. A problem through your business partner is also on the agenda. The relationship with your spouse and other family members will not be good. You might suffer insufficient incomes. Family members will turn to be foes, take care. You words will not be valued by others. Insults in a gathering due to your emotional talks is possible, better keep away. Remedying to Saturn and Worshiping Lord Hanuman will give you a great relief.
Virgo	Saturn in 1st house	Spiritual guidance will make things easier for you. Guidance from a preceptor will benefit you in your profession. Calculative expenditure will fetch gains. You will get an honored position in your job, but after February-2010.	You might suffer from ailments related to nervous system or abdomen due to improper diet. Humiliation and mental agony in your profession is predicted. Your efforts at job will go a waste. Your spouse would misunderstand your words and will ponder suspiciously in your day to day activities. Evil eyes is forecasted, there are possibilities that someone might involve in black magic for your failure. Remedies to Saturn and Worshiping Lord Hanuman will give you relief.
Libra	Saturn in 12th house	Auspicious expenses like purchasing a home, valuables, and vehicle are on the agenda. Pleasurable overseas journeys can be expected. Spiritual travel is also possible during this time period. Appreciable gains in your profession are predicted. You will have an intimate relationship with your spouse.	Health problems to children are on the agenda. You might face a break in your education. You might also have losses in business or speculation. It is better to make long term investments to avoid loss. An ailment in legs and generative organs is possible, take care. Keep an eye on your children’s activities. Remedies to Saturn and Worshiping Lord Hanuman will give you great relief.
Scorpio	Saturn in 11th house	You will have success and gains in all your undertakings. You are about to attain good ranks and positions in your profession. You are on the way to attain spiritual goals. You will also have profits by a Sale of a property. Sudden gains in speculation are on the agenda. You can attempt for higher education. It’s time to win over your enemies. You will receive unexpected gifts. Sudden gains are also possible. You will receive voluntary assistance from others. Patrimonial property issues will be settled. Enemies will surrender. Litigation, trails and turbulence will end in your favor. You will succeed in new ventures. Real estate business will prove to be good.	Your friends will not be able to help you at this time. Expansion of business will be delayed. Relationship with your spouse will not be good. Dangers to your Mother is foreseen, take care. Some property or wealth will be at loss.
Sagittarius	Saturn in 10th house	You will witness professional growth. Spiritual practices will manifest your desires. Your subordinates will abide to your words and complete the task assigned by you, in time. You would earn the good will of your employer.	Stress in work is foreseen. You would lose your comforts. Strained relationship with spouse is on the agenda. Health problems to your spouse may occur. Lack of conjugal bliss is foreseen, take care.
Capricorn	Saturn in 9th house	Good circulation of Money is possible. Your status will improve. Relief from worries and problems are on the agenda. You will have promotions in your job. After the year 2010, you will face comforts. You will have the push to achieve great heights and goals. Your relationship with family members will be good. Do not hurt anybody from heart; it will turn out into curse.	Relationship you’re your father will be strained. Your head strong activities would fetch the wrath of your preceptor. You will not be able to keep promises given to others, this will fetch you ill repute.
Aquarius	Saturn in 8th house	Spiritual guidance will make things easier for you. Guidance from a preceptor will benefit you in all aspects. Controlling your emotions would help you in maintaining your status in the society.	You will face insults in front of your rivals. Control your emotions. Health problem in abdomen and generative organs will occur. Friends would turn foes. Relationship with your employer will be unfavorable and bad. Evil eyes is forecasted, some may perform black for your failure. Investments would lead to loss. Any investment would pretend to be profitable, but will prove to be a great loss later. Be careful in terms of finance and career. Take care of adolescent children, their interaction with opposite sex will cross limits and bring you name down in society. Do not be suspicious about your family member’s activities. Remedies to Saturn and Worshiping Lord Hanuman will give you great relief.
Pisces	Saturn in 7th house	You will finally be revealed about what is happening around you. You will be aware of everything that was not known to you before. You will turn kind enough to everybody and earn a good name. You will have new opportunities to prove yourself in your profession as well as in your personal life. New investments, opportunities and gains are in cards.	Take care while driving any vehicle. Strained relationship you’re your spouse is foreseen. Challenges at your work place are most likely to occur. Socializing would lead you into more trouble, keep away from dangers.

Saturn Transit

2009-08-29T21:39:00.001+05:30

Influence of Saturn over your Moon sign Aries for next 2 years and 2 months.

Saturn the task master enters the sign Virgo on September 9th, 2009. The planet Saturn will shower its positive radiance on you during this transit. Saturn is a constant, barren, dry, defensive, secretive planet. Saturn will develop sense of responsibility in you. It will make you plodding, preserving, and economical in all your ventures. It will never guide you to the wrong side in whatever you undertake. For the next 2 years and 2 months, you can see the effect of providential help in all the walks of your life. Take things as it comes though it appears undesirable, you will see the unexpected favorable results at the end of the matter.

The sign Virgo is the 6th house to your Moon sign. The sixth house indicates success, improvement in job, wining over enemies, debts, taming your rivals, diet, clothing, pets, and ailments.

From September-9th-2009 till December 17th, 2009:

Saturn will be transiting the star Uttaraphalguni during this period. Saturn would import to you spiritual bliss, professional gains, good relationship with your spouse/partner. You will have the energy and push to go forward in any venture. Your mind will be much inclined to achieve things. You will select the right in all work. You will be free from ailments. Your monetary flow will be good.

The month of September and October will be promising on the financial front. You would have an excellent time with your partner. If you are deserted, you can approach your desired love during the month of September and October.

In the month of November and until 7th of December, you would have unexpected surprises and gifts. Any money lent long time back or any outstanding money will be paid to you in time.

The month of January will be promising in terms of profession; there will be opportunities for growth. You will ponder each step and achieve the rank and position you have been thriving. Plod, Plan and then execute your agenda victory will be yours. After January 14, you would have apparent setbacks in your comforts. You need not divert your concentration in things that do not concord with you. Pay attention to your daily tasks as this would reward you after May 2010.

You will see every moment and every endeavor of you being recognized and rewarded after May-2010. Speculative investments will bring you gains. There would be good circulation of Money.

You will overthrow any challenge. Your mind will be filled with joy and pride regarding the relationship with your beloveds. Children will obey you and fill reciprocate to you amiably.

After September 2010 and within January 2011, there would be permanent or constant drive and push in your routine professional tasks. You would purchase landed properties. From February 2011, there would be apparent challenges in your acquisitions. Remedial measures to Saturn and Moon would minimize the tensions and frustrations. Stay cool as the problems that arouse after February 2011 will not hamper your progress they to tend to do, but would not succeed, which you can experience after June 2011. After June 2011 every day would start with favorable aspects.

Saturn transit in Virgo from September 2011 until November 2011 would show you new ways of investment, new people would approach you for your future endeavors, you need to undergo a master health check up (only to be aware of your body condition) as Saturn is about to move away from Virgo, you have to prepare yourself to face new ways and situations in your routine life. These would be favorable to you, as well as a new experience too.

Remedial measures:

Ancestor ritual

Fire ritual to Saturn once in 6 months

Help the physically challenged, Aged and poor people on all Saturday

Feed the bird crow or raven

Ashtakavarga analysis of Saturn transit in the sign Virgo for your Moon sign Aries

In your horoscope Saturn’s contribution to Virgo is 6 points out of 8 points (6 / 8)

This is a real rewarding for you. Saturn being the lord of the 10th house and 11th house, and transiting the 6th house would bestow you with all the benefits of the 6th house domain. The 6th house governs your enemies, debts, ailments, success, monetary benefits, and pets. You would have the benefit aspect in each and every feature of your 6th house.

In your horoscope the 6th house is linked to 2nd and the 5th house. This link of the 6th house to the 2nd house and the 5th house shows increase in monetary gains, pleasures, assets or wealth from your Mother.

Your reputation would increase by the good acts of your children. Any litigation with your sibling (older) would be settled in your favor.

A short term investment in speculation would fetch you gain. In between September 2010 and January 2011, you would also involve in intraday.

Proper concentration, perseverance and your pondering abilities should always be used to attain gains and joy during this transit.

கோவிலில் இரண்டு ருபாய் காசு

2009-08-21T22:03:00.002+05:30

நண்பர் ஷங்கரலிங்கம் ஒரு பதிவு போட்டுள்ளார்.

அமாவாசை பிச்சைகாரர் கணேஷர்

அவருக்கு யாரோ கோவிலில் இரண்டு ருபாய் காசு கொடுத்தார்களாம் என்று.

நான் சொன்ன விஷயம்....

கோவிலிலோ கோவில் அருகிலோ யாரவது ஒருவர் உங்களை தேடி வந்து பணம் கொடுத்தால், நீங்க யோகக்காரர்! நிச்சயம் உங்களுக்கு பணம் கொட்டும். ( எங்களையும் கொஞ்சம் பாத்துக்கோங்க! பெங்களூர் தானே )

எனக்கும் ஒருவர், நூறு டாலர் நோட்டு ஒன்றை திருப்பதி கோவிலில் மார்ச் 2007 இல நீங்கள் சொன்ன மாதிரி கொடுத்தார். அதை அப்படியே உண்டியலில் போட்டேன். அதன் பிறகு அரசு வேலையை விட்டு, நல்ல முறையில் சம்பாரித்து ( ஒரு வருடத்திலேயே, முன் பதினாறு வருடம் சம்பாரித்ததை ஆண்டவன் கொடுத்தான் )

இன்னொரு விஷயம். இப்படி பணம் வரும் போது, உங்கள் புத்தி கவனமாக இருக்க வேண்டும். மனசு பிசகிவிடும். நண்பர்கள் விலகுவார்கள், அவர்களுக்கும் கொடுக்க வேண்டும்.
--
Regards
Ramesh
Jonathan Swift - "May you live every day of your life."

Moon and the nodal points ( Rahu , Ketu )

2009-08-19T21:13:00.001+05:30

The two nodes of the Moon -- the north and the south node -- play a very important part in astrology. The nodes are not planetary bodies, but mathematical points that take into account the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and Earth at the time of our birth. In the zodiac, they are always directly opposite each other and together they form the nodal axis.

The lunar nodes point to our personal karmic imbalance. The astrological theory behind the nodes of the Moon suggests that we all come into this world with some underdeveloped and overdeveloped aspects of our character. The north node represents qualities that we need to develop to find inner balance, while the south node points to personal character traits that are easy for us to fall back on. They represent life lessons that we consciously need to learn for increased happiness, fulfillment and personal success.

The nodal axis changes signs approximately every 19 months. Since December 18, 2007, the north node has been transiting through Aquarius with the south node in the opposite sign, Leo. On August 20 and 21, the nodal axis moves backward through the zodiac, and the north node moves from Aquarius into Capricorn, while the south node moves from Leo to Cancer.

Important advice for this transit: Get serious. Be brave! Work toward your goals. Instead of looking to others to take care of you, which is the south node in Cancer, north node in Capricorn means it's time to be an adult, step up, accept responsibility for both good and bad.

Kalki Avatar

2009-08-17T19:00:00.002+05:30

Kalki according to tradition is the tenth avatar or incarnation of Vishnu (Buddha was the ninth avatar of Vishnu).

The symbolic form of Kalki is on a white horse wielding a sword. The Name Kalki literally means "The Annihilator of Ignorance."

His Divine Mission is to close Kaliyuga, the Iron Age (one of 4 Yugas or time zones that mark the spiritual progression of mankind not the technical iron age), and usher in the Golden Age, a new period of peace prosperity and harmony.

The current age Kaliyuga, also called the age of darkness and ignorance. It is the most degenerate and fallen of the ages, characterized by a hardening of the spiritual core of mankind, an almost total lack of sacredness, and extreme materialism, as humans can no longer determine what is essential for living in this fallen age and what is irrelevant. The Antaryamin, or Indweller has been put to rest in the heart of mankind. Those of you with a New Age background may think of this Antaryamin as the Higher Self.

An avatar is a being that comes to change the "truth". Edison was an avatar of science. The Beatles were avatars of music. A Celestial Avatar has a definite Divine purpose. One can see how the Christ changed the "truth" just in the first 2 words of the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father". Man began to relate to God as a loving father

In the Golden Age, in a gesture of Supreme Friendship, this Antaryamin, through an externally stimulated action awakens the heart. Many have already been having such Profound Divine Mystical Experience. Such experience, this personal encounter with Divinity in one form or another (Moses and the Thorn Bush is a well known example of such experience) is the one common denominator in the lives of all Saints, Sages, Mystics, and Prophets.

It is so important to the evolution of the consciousness of mankind, for it is belief(ignorance and speculation) that separates, while discovery unites. Just see for a moment the sufferings of the saints and discoverers throughout time. How the nature of belief (ignorance) is to destroy anything that will shed a light on it for what it truly is.

Kalki's Divine Mission is to close Kaliyuga, the current age of darkness and ignorance and usher in the Golden Age, a new ten thousand year cycle of peace, prosperity and harmony. He is to liberate all of mankind from suffering and to bring enlightenment to all of mankind.

This picture will be very meaningful to those of you in touch with the dawn of the Golden Age which is a shift in consciousness as well as an astrological occurrence. The advent of the Kalki Avatar is a necessary component in this phenomena.

Previous interventions from the Kingdom of Heaven can be likened to putting a lump of fine gold in a glass of water. The gold remains gold, and the water remains water. The next incarnation of Vishnu, who is called the Sampoorna (total-meaning the incarnation of God or Supreme Consciousness on this planet)Avatar can be likened to putting a drop of yogurt in into a glass of warm milk. Soon all of the milk will be transformed into yogurt.

Man cannot transform himself. He can become highly reformed however, in his practicing of concepts such as love, kindness, honesty, etc. But true transformation is a result of Mystical Experience. You might say that transformation is a benediction.
Another look into the lives of the saints, prophets and mystics would reveal all.

We are now in the throws of a mighty spiritual awakening, unprecedented in the history of human kind. People from all walks of life are walking and talking with God in a tangible form. Their hearts have truly flowered, and for them, Heaven has met Earth. They have entered the Golden Age which is a state of consciousness as well as an astrological event.

Other would say that this is not possible. That the old calendars say that the Golden Age won't "be here" for thousands of years. Currently there is heated debate in India as some experts have claimed to have found errors in the ancient calendars. This puts the date of the Golden Age very close to the end of the Mayan calendar ( Dec 21st, 2012 or famously told as 12-12-12 ).

But don't believe that is the end of world, it is the beginning of a new era!

At times I feel that I am "Kalki". An incarnation!

Chakras of Human Body

2009-08-10T16:29:00.003+05:30

Chakras of Human Body

The Art of Prayer

2009-08-10T16:22:00.002+05:30

Prayer is a form of communication with the Divine. One may pray to any form of the Divine one chooses and relates to best. There is an ancient verse in the Vedas which says:

Aakashath Pathitham Thoyam

Yatha Gachathi Sagaram

Sarvadeva Namaskaram

Keshavam Prathi Gachathi

"As the water that falls down in rain from anywhere in the sky finally reaches the Ocean, the worship of any divine aspect ultimately reaches the Supreme Being."

There is one more modern verse that you can use, which captures the essence with the proper mantra rhymes,

Sachitananda Parabrahma Purushotama Paramatma

Sri Bhagavathi Sametha Sri Bhagavathe Namaha

"The Supreme creator, you are everything in every form for me. Please provide for me. I shall recite your name forever"

1. Invoke the Presence

Invoke the Presence of the Divine before you start the prayer. One way to invoke the Presence is chanting the Moola Mantra. You may chant the Moola Mantra 3, 21 or 41 times and invite the Presence to fill you or take over you completely. And request the Divine to fulfil your prayer even if there are flaws in your prayer or possible errors in your belief system.

2. Emotional bond

The first and most important thing in a prayer is the personal bond or relation you establish with God. Consider the Divine as your child, father, mother, friend or master. God is happiest if the relation you choose is that of a friend. But then, look at yourself and ascertain that you too are a true friend who responds to the request of your friends immediately. The response of the Divine will be similar to your response to the request of your friends.

3. Surrender and helplessness

The prayer should always be prompted by a feeling of surrender and helplessness. If you feel that you can manage even without Divine grace and that you are just trying one more way, then, that is not the way of a genuine prayer. Surrender to the Divine will that you are prepared to accept whatever the outcome may be. And that you are absolutely helpless. Whatever effort you put in is just as an instrument of the Divine and not as per your own volition.

4. Pray from the heart not from the head

Prayer should come from the heart, not from the head. It is the feeling that is important, not the thought. When the feeling is intense, it creates waves of a higher frequency that get connected with the cosmic energy easily and make the fulfilment easily possible. The passion that you feel for God is very significant in raising the emotional intensity.

5. Clarity and completeness

Next, your request should be clear and complete in all respects. It is like a sort of communication with cosmic energy, and so, what you communicate is very important. If you communicate something different or incomplete, the response too may be what you do not expect. Hence before you pray, consider all aspects of your request and make it a perfect one.

6. Speak internally

As already mentioned, prayer is a communication. You have to speak internally to God. You can say it aloud also. But it is better to speak internally as it will not distract others. The involvement increases as you go on talking to God and there will come a time when you shall feel God with you everywhere, as an inseparable PRESENCE.

7. One request at a time

You should see that you request for only one thing at a time. It is much similar to cooking a delicious dish. You should not mix two recipes at the same time. Because what we finally get will not be either of the two, but a third distortion of both. Hence stick to the principle of "one at a time".

8. Visualisation

As you pray to God visualise the expected result of your prayer, that is, what you want to achieve in great detail. That means, visualise yourself in a state of having fulfilled your prayer, and then enjoy the happiness and joy. Accept that the situation has changed as you have been blessed.

9. Pray with full faith

Such an acceptance comes from full faith in God. As you know, it is very important to have faith without which nothing can ever happen. Have full confidence in the efficacy of prayer and the benevolence of the Divine.

10. Enjoy the feeling of Grace

Enjoy the blessing and flow of Grace into you. And request the Divine to fulfill your prayer even if there are flaws in your prayer or possible errors in your belief system.

11. Thank the Divine for the blessing received

Naturally, you shall be filled with immense gratitude for the Divine. Express it freely and sincerely to the Divine from the depth of your heart. Prostrate at the feet of the Divine in deep gratitude and surrender.

Saturns effect with your Natal Chart

2009-07-29T16:13:00.002+05:30

The following results of Jup (placed in you Natal Chart) with Saturn (or in transit, bhukthi's) in all houses without taking your birth sign in consideration.

1st house - Rich, but will face many dangers and downfalls.

2nd house - Troubles from Government, persistent diseases.

3rd House - Rich and famous.

4th house - Well placed children.

5th house - will be very rich, but earn in questionable ways, will not
give attention to dressinspite of being wealthy.

6th house - will incur severe strains in marriage, be fond of
questionable deeds, troubled by wealth, but wealthy.

7th house - lives on females wealth, henpecked.

8th house - Poor, uneducated.

9th house - Lordly, Musical achievements.

10th house - Checkered education for children.

11th house - wealthy, henpecked, praiseworthy.

12th house - Miserable Life.

Note - Jupiter transit, while Saturn is present in a given house gives results based on the birth star sign.

Above results from Shri R. Santhanams "Esentials of Predictive Hindu Astrology".

Spirtiuality Masters

2009-07-07T19:50:00.002+05:30

I am spiritually inclined person, and have experienced the divine blessings myself, with a 360 degree view of earth. But I chose to be a simple earthling.

I dont understand why these Gurus start charging so much, like Rs 5000, Rs 5000, $ 5000, $ 6000 and all and giving VIP treatment to the powerful & rich?

The power to give comes from within. But not to ask! There might be an answer to say that money is needed for spreading the word. Who's?

The power in me says all these are wrong!

Life is not a child's play to be wasted on these Fakes.

Tarot

2009-06-06T11:42:00.001+05:30

Your Personality Motivator Card

Like your Astrological Sign, you have a Tarot Trump (Major Arcana) card that is assigned to you for life according to your birth date. This life card describes who you are to the outside world, your tendencies, personality type, potential, challenges, motivations, expectations, or how others may see you. We refer to it as your Personality Motivator Card (PMC).

(Upright) You are a true and faithful friend, and have the capacity to love unconditionally. You may be one of the lucky ones who are fortunate to find their true soul mate provided you don't give into temptation for instant gratification or settle for less than what you deserve. You are a person of great compassion, and may put the needs or happiness of someone you care for ahead of your own. A desire for long term connection, love, and fulfillment enables you to recognize or cultivate your hearts desire, while appreciating consequence, the art of compromise, and the importance of trust when making decisions.

(Reversed) You may feel hurt, abused, used, or let down by love, and this could affect your judgment, identity, sexuality, commitment, or self-esteem. Stubborn pride or control issues could keep you from being able to seek support, compromise, or come to an understanding, for you may be embarrassed or blinded by a desire to win. Lust, insecurity, or indifference could cause you to be indiscriminant in choosing your companions, and a misguided belief that you can change someone into your soul mate may only show a glaring disparity between what you think you desire, what you deserve, and how you may be settling. Something is missing, or you aren't learning from past mistakes, and until you are true and faithful to yourself, no one else can be.

Your Annual Development Card

Your growth and development cards for the current year and your lifetime describe some of the positive and negative influences, possibilities, issues, or even people with whom you may come in contact, or that could have an effect on you throughout the course of each year. We call these your Annual Development Cards (ADCs).

Emperor

(Upright) Over the year, you could begin to take your responsibilities, obligations, or commitments very seriously and command respect, if not a bit of fear. A desire to protect, mentor, and support those you love could cause stress, keep you from being spontaneous, or reflect outdated beliefs about men and women. You may demonstrate little tolerance for frivolous activities, believing you need to be the solid, dependable one, and while fatherhood or single-parenthood may begin to agree with you, a tendency to be too aggressive, strict, or overly indulgent could keep you from enjoying those under your care or roof. It won't be a sign of weakness to show your feelings or fears. Lighten up a little this year, and you may find that you won't have to shoulder the burden alone.

(Reversed) Over the course of the year, issues of control, power, lust, or pride could cause you to misuse your position, make excuses, indulge selfish urges, or avoid obligations. Being unavailable, distant, or unsupportive could prove a powerful, but negative influence, and will have consequences on those who rely on you. You might have been taught that to show emotion or let your guard down is to be weak, or that the only way to get respect, or be "King of the Castle" is through intimidation, fear, or violence. This will be a mistake, for you'll have the potential to protect, mentor, or have a lasting impact on others, and if you get beyond your own ego, loss, or insecurities, or accept your own father's shortcomings, you can turn things around this year.

Your Life Lesson Card

Your Life Lesson Card (LLC) suggests possible opportunities, obstacles, challenges or influences that may repeat themselves or develop into patterns over the course of your lifetime. The lessons are often presented in phases or cycles at various levels of experience, and depending upon your faith, they can sometimes represent a purpose for this incarnation. View this card in relation to your PMC and ADCs in order to gain insight on how to best integrate these lessons into your life for maximum personal growth, happiness, or achievement.

--
Regards
Ramesh
Steven Wright - "It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to have to paint it."

Karma and Astrology

2009-04-23T10:52:00.001+05:30

One of the most common Questions that I face as an astrologer and I am sure other astrologers also face the same, “when two people are born in the same city, on the same date and time and when the horoscope chart will be identical- Will their life be exactly identical?
The classic Question of the fate of twins also belongs to this category. I am sure there were many others who were born on the same date and time as Indira Gandhi was born in Allahabad. But all of them did not become the Prime Minister of India.

Our Horoscope chart is a reflection of our Karma in past lives- millions of our past lives. What we achieve in this life is a combination of our horoscope (past life) and the effects of Karma in this life itself. It is easy to argue that Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister because she was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. But there was Lal Bahadur Shastri who also became the Prime Minister of India in this life though he was born in a very poor family or in today’s context Barack Obama became the President of the United States of America even thought he was African Black in USA and was born in a very ordinary family. Can Indira Gandhi’s chart tell us that she would become the Prime Minister or Barack Obama the president? The answer is NO. What we achieve in this life is the combination of both past as well as present Karma and our efforts and free will. It is a mistaken notion that whatever happens in our life is pre- destined and our individual free will has no role to play. It is also a mistaken notion that our Karmic destiny has no role to play.

From our chart we can see some of these pre- destined conditions like a debilitated planet or an exalted planet. Whether we are Manglik or not? Kaal Sarpa Yoga etc. People often ask me how long I will be Manglik- the condition in the Natal Chart is applicable for our whole life. The most enigmatic of such pre- destined condition in our chart is a Kaal Sarpa Yoga formed by Rahu and Ketu in our chart. Do you know that 15th August 1947 midnight chart of India has Kaal Sarpa Yoga? The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru had Kaal Sarpa Yoga in his chart. Ex President George Bush Jr. has Kaal Sarpa Yoga in his chart.

But none of the above matters as it is your pre determined luck that makes your winnings!

Contact me to donate.

Tarpan

2009-04-22T11:15:00.002+05:30

If there is one act that could relieve you and change your destiny, it is the ancestor ritual called as Tarpan. Our departed ancestors are stored as sub-conscious patterns in our solar plexus area. They have the ability to bless us with positive vibrations flowing through us. When we indulge in wicked acts these good vibrations are not available to us and are effectively screened out by the smoke created by our acts. When you act virtuously and practice charity and devotion to God or the higher Light in all things, then you will have access to positive vibrations. These vibrations have the capacity to completely change who you are and bring incredible blessings into your love life, job, health and other important areas of your life.

The problem is that the "not so good" stuff that you have done in the past will not allow you to reap the benefits of being good in this current life. You have to do some cleansing rituals to counteract the negative karma and enable the blessings of your departed ancestors to reach you. This divine technology is called Tarpan (if you believe it)!

When and How to do Tarpan?

It is best to enlist the help of a pure priest to perform this ritual for behalf. Its effectiveness is increased when performed near the sea or other large water bodies. You would place 3 ounces of food as offering and chants some incoherent mantras, that is understood only to the divine.

The Tamil Siddhas of ancient India knew the reasons and benefits of performing Tarpan. They saw that derelict ancestral souls would be released and empowered, enabling you to receive their blessings. April 24th is New Moon day and represents one best possible opportunity to cleanse your negative patterns. On this day all ancestors are in an accessible wavelength and are enabled to bring enormous blessings by the correct performance of Tarpan.

This has to be done in person so don't get swayed away by online advertisements.

Instead of Tarpan, you may donate money to poor to gain mental peace. Please contact me to donate money.

Akshay Tritiya

2009-04-21T10:08:00.002+05:30

Did you know ‘Akshay Tritiya’ is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Vedic calendar?

This year it falls on Monday, April 27th 2009.

The word "Akshay" means ‘the never diminishing’. It represents eternal prosperity for any new beginning made or valuables bought or remedial measures initiated on this day. According to the Vedas, Rishi Vyasa along with Lord Ganesha embarked on the process of writing the epic Mahabharata on this day to perpetuate its glory among mankind forever.

So dont get sold by buying gold, platinum. Instead get "Punya" by liberally donating, whatever you can. That is the purest form of liberty you can gain.

You can contact me on ram10kar at gmail dot com to get the account number for donation.

Election 2009 result

2009-04-06T11:28:00.003+05:30

I did a KP Prasna analysis on the Election 2009 result now....

Here it is...

The question in mind was will UPA win again?

Moon is in the 3rd house. Ketu is the star ruling Moon which is in the 2nd. Connection of victories and results.

Rahu is the starlord of 5th and Saturn is the sublord of 7th.

Strong Saturn support in 11th. Star Ketu and sublord Saturn.

Ketu / Rahu pull up an down, which is controlled by Saturn. Shows the nature by Ketu appearing twice, which is pointing towards South (help from... as pointed in 3rd)

Result: Yes UPA will win. Strong support from someone in the South. (So some party from South will point the finger about the rule, and have maximum ministerial berths!)

I will see the transit of planets now... for 2, 5 and 11.

Ketu / Rahu, Rahu / Sat and Ketu /Sat

3 main planets Ketu, Rahu and Saturn. All are win a loss givers based on positions.

Ketu in transit of 12th - good support, pleasure and foreign power. ( Here I can take it as help of foreigner by birth, Sonia Gandhi )

Rahu in transit of 6th - occupation - well being - Good ( profession -> politics )

Saturn in transit of 1st, the best position to give positive results and benefits. There is a relation to Saturn in the 8th (good friends) with Mercury. Hence very well calculated (coalition?) gains are there.

Note - May 16th is the day of result. All three Ketu, Rahu and Saturn in dasa till May 25th early hours. Hence I expect the new government to take oath of office before that.

Note - This is a matter of astro analysis only and no guarantees.

Ram Navami

2009-03-28T13:20:00.000+05:30

The Hanuman Jayanti Ceremony- in pursuit of excellence
The Vasant or Spring Navratri is held during the beginning of summer. It is a time of thanksgiving to Mother Nature – who protects and sustains us. This year the Chaitra Navratras has been observed from today and ends with Ram Navami on the 3rd of April 2009.

Ram Navami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ram, the son of King Dasharath. It is believed that listening to the story of Ram cleanses the soul. Meditating and chanting his name is believed to ease the pains of life and lead one to moksha or liberation. Lord Ram is eternal, perfect and everlasting.

Once Shri Ram asked Hanuman as to who he was. Hanuman replied by saying-
"If you consider me just as the possessor of my physical body, then I am your servant. If you consider me as a soul then I am your 'Ansha' (part). My belief is based on the fact that my existence is not different from you in any way."

Hanumanji is a gem- the embodiment for pursuit of excellence because of his faith and devotion which leads to courage and the ability to achieve the impossible. To pray to the most powerful and valiant Shri Hanuman whose bravery, loyalty and faithfulness to Lord Ram!

Hanuman Jayanthi Ceremony

2009-03-24T19:39:00.000+05:30

Maha Bhootha peedam mahothpada peedam,
Maha vyadhi peedam, mahadhiprapeedam,
hara swasritha bjeeshta dana pradhayin,
Namaste Namaste kapeendra prasathe.

Salutations and salutation to him, Who is famous as Indra among monkeys,
And who fulfills the wishes of his devotees,
With a humble request to put an end, to the great problems from evil,
To the Great dangers arising suddenly,
To the sufferings due to diseases,
And to the sufferings due to great sorrows.

Devotion is a great source of power. Shri Hanumaan was himself a great devotee of Lord Ram. We remember him as a true follower because of his unconditional dedication. Whenever we perform Hanumaan Jayanti we chant Bajrang Baan, a part of Hanumaan Chalisa. Many of our members must be wondering what this particular prayer does for you.

The Bajrang Baan is a powerful prayer to Lord Hanumaan. This prayer is deeply spiritual and has many healing powers. The recitation of the Bajrang Baan, is said to remove the trace of enemies from a person's life and neutralize the effects of any bad deeds.

Narada

2009-03-20T12:44:00.000+05:30

One day when Narada was passing by Vikunta he saw Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati talking something and in Joyous mood and didn't notice Narada..(I do not know whether it is with anger/jealousy or just to poke fun) then Narada went upto the Lord Shiva and Whispered in his ear **Don't tell to anybody** and left immediately..

Now see what happens/happened, Maa Parvati anxiously started asking Shiva to tell me what did Narada say?

Maa Parvati: Tell me Mahaadev what did Narada say?

Lord Shiva: Narada told don't tell to anybody....

Maa Parvati: No i am your Ardhangini you must tell me please...

Lord Shiva: he said Don't tell to anybody....

and the argument continued... .......who' s right? and who's wrong?

So sometimes I believe "Galati se Mistake Ho jaata hai...:-) Ha..Ha..

This post is just for sharing again in the light-hearted. . and don't ask me the classic's reference as it was told by one of my Guru and narrated how things CAN happen when YOU are still right and saying the TRUTH

(This post is coming after 80 days! Message is hidden above!)

Happy New Year 2009

2008-12-31T20:26:00.001+05:30

Wishing all of you for the continued support.

Wishing you all a very happy new year!

-

Do you wish to donate a small sum for a worth cause? Then contact me please.

Happy New Year 2009!

TWELFTH HOUSE Matters

2008-12-31T19:25:00.001+05:30

Q :: What are the ‘significance’ of TWELFTH HOUSE in a birth chart? When and how the effects of this house could become effective in once life?

ANS::

This house projects the following:

1. Expenditure, Extravagance, and Loss;

2. Punishments, Isolation, restriction on freedom, imprisonment, confinement and Seclusion;

3. Bed deeds. Fall (both physical and figurative);

4. Looting, Crime, rape, poisoning, smuggling, blackmailing, Kleptomania, Kidnapping;

5. Deceit and Persecution;

6. Sorrow, Worries, Misfortune, unforeseen troubles;

7. Spiritual Practices, Sin, Hell, Occult, Heaven, Emancipation form the cycle of births and deaths, Past ‘Karmas’, ‘Moksha‘;

8. Going away from home of birth, exile, extradition, Going Abroad, and Travels;

9. Rightful and wrongful Sexual Pleasure, Snoring, Sleep;

10. Conspiracy, secret Enemy, Under ground movements, Shady dealings, conniving acts, Secret plots, Spies, Occult Sciences, Corrupt with Saintly ‘jackets’;

11. Infirmity in a limb, Feet and toes, Left side of genitals and Anus, left eye, and Left Shoulder;

12. Inferiority Complex, Suffering in Secret;

13. Acts arising picking one’s conscience;

14. Profound and selfless service to society;

15. Father’s wealth and property devolving on the native;

16. Hospitals, jails, Monasteries, Places of Seclusion, Solitude, Depression, Asylums, Living in isolated unpopulated areas with curse and calamities, Working in Scavenging dens, and circus with risks, animal dens and zoos;

17. Loss due to marriage or spouse, Death of Spouse;

18. Termination of Appointment, job, commitment, contract, and oath;

19. Animals and involvement in them like syce, veterinary workers and menials (ref: Sixth House also)

20. Repayment of loan by the native (The Eighth house is also related for ‘repayment’ as creditor will earn in ‘repayment’ which is referred by Second house from Seventh house)

21. Institutionalized religion and religious houses, Mutts, Ashrams etc.

Notes::

The nature of the Planet and the nature of its influence arrived at, by finding its strength, position, preference, and influence with graded strength, will decide the accruing results out of this ‘Twelfth House’ , related Desa Bukti and other factors to be taken into account for assessment.

Corollaries: :

When a twelfth house is influenced by Malefic Planets and, similarly, the owner of twelfth house is influenced by such malefic planets, the person will wonder from one country to another, in appropriate periods;

A Planet connected with the Second, Seventh (or Ninth) and the twelfth houses makes a native go away from his family on along journey to a far away place;

If the fourth and the twelfth houses are connected , it indicates a change in residence.

The Moon in this house is in a movable sign the person will wonder in his own country or abroad.

If Twelfth house is connected through Planets and its positions, with Second, sixth, and tenth houses, it indicates service in hospitals, while this house is connected only with sixth house, the native could be hospitalized in concern Desa Bukthi timings.

Similarly if this house and the ninth house is related through related Planets, indicates a long journey as also life abroad.

If the weak and afflicted owner of the twelfth house is placed in the third, sixth or eighth house and has malefic influence with any redeemable benefic effects, it gives raise to ‘Vipareeth raja Yoga’ and confers immense riches.

Sixth House Matters

2008-12-24T18:30:00.000+05:30

Q: What are the qualities referred to sixth House? As also Planets who could cause various effects in relation to Sixth house from Lagna. -Cartain Individuals, fear of calamities, vices of all types, cruel acts, misunderstanding with elders -particularly with sisters and brothers, knowingly committing sin, and extreme humiliation;

(ii) Enemies, danger, thieves and obstructions;

(iii) Either by assault or by fall resulting in wounds, dysentery, swelling of any part of the body, urinary and venereal decease, dietary habits, boils, exertion, death at the hands of an enemy, fighting in a conflict or war, weariness, eye trouble;

(iv) Surgery, sharp edged instruments, arms, and weapons;

(v) Relationship with kinsmen, Step Mother, maternal uncle;

(vi) Involvement in different faiths and cultures part from own;

(vii) Right part of chin, intestines, kidneys, and right calf muscles;

(viii) Pet animals, debts, receiving charities;

(ix) Examinations, competitions;

(x) Irregular and unhealthy food habits;

(xi) Poison and resultant effects on health including unnatural death;

(xii) Servants and relationship with them, contradictory acts to popular opinions;

(xiii) Sanitation, industries, working with heavy and injurious work environment,

(xiv) Prison

(xv) Trance

There are other indicative factors are to be referred to, while considering the sixth house from Lagna They are as follows.

Sixth house is considered as one of the four malefic positions for Lagna Rasi and Chandra Lagna.

Malefic planets in sixth house from lagna give ability and strength to meet enemies strongly, while this could end up in struggle for life. When the owner of the sixth, eighth, and eleventh houses with Ketu, and the Planets with them as well as owners of these houses, may cause accidents and injuries in their sub periods in a main Desa period. If Saturn is the owner of sixth house and /or Rahu being deposited in the sixth house and in aspect from Saturn could cause anxiety due to acute illness during the respective sub periods.

The sixth house with Saturn and/or Rahu and/or the Sun could cause prolonged illness as the Sun is the karaka for Doctor and health. At this, one has to consider the occupation, ownership, and aspect of third eleventh houses of one of these planets to cause ailments in arms of the person as third house represents the right arm, and the eleventh, the left arm under ‘ Kalapurusha’ rules. Another reference is available that, if the occupant planet in 3 house is more powerful than the occupant of the eleventh house, the person would be right - handed and vice-versa for being left handed!

The condition of the 6^th house will affect work habits, litigation, obstacles, health and propensity of serving and helping others. This house relates to cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, as well as employees and colleagues. This house also refers to ‘open enemies’ to encompass disagreements in work /professional level, opposing parties in a lawsuit, and even spouse or friend with whom one does not see eye to eye. This house also signifies the type of illness or vulnerable part of the anatomy in relation to the 1^st house of the chart. The ‘Karakas’ of the sixth house are Saturn - since it is associated with work and discipline, and Mars as ruler of arguments and adversaries.

If the sixth and tenth houses are connected , or their owners are ‘friendly’ and the owner of the sixth house is powerful (if in his own house/ in his ‘uchcha’ sthana/ in aspect by its friendly and or benefic planets/ in a favorable house), the native follows his father’s profession. (This very important observation could be made with reference to Sixth house from Lagna Rasi/ Chandra Lagna on many other considerations to this result). The inevitable choice of vocation (service or profession) against desire of a person will have do for earning, (including works in grave yards, cleaning and maintaining areas of litters, serving in public rest rooms, and similar positions, etc.)

Referring to this house for ‘weapons) with reference to third and eleventh house of the chart, it shall be indicative of the fact that the native wield weapons (including sharp edged instruments) as professional criminals, uniformed forces (Army, Navy and Air force, police and allied units) as also a surgeon or doctor (dentist, ophthalmologist, gynecologist or neurologist etc).

(I will briefly refer, how to find a native will be a doctor, criminal or a member of uniformed force)

a. If the eighth or the twelfth house is in any way related under rules, 6^th, 3^rd and 11^th house (and has NO beneficial influence from the position occupation and ‘drushty’ from other Planets in the chart) that person may use weapons causing death or loss to others - a criminal.

b. If the relationship of the two houses (6^th and 3^rd houses) does not involve the 8^th or 12^th house, or if one of these two houses involved, the relationship has powerful beneficial influence, the native could wield weapons for a good cause and could be in a uniformed service.

c. When the combination mentioned above in (b) also involves the Sun, Saturn and Rahu, (or at least two of the three Planets now mentioned) the native will wield weapons for causes connected with health and disease - perhaps be a doctor or surgeon.

d. As also, if the owner of the sixth house or Mars is more powerful in the chart than the above stated Three Planets, and Mars is involved in the combination , the native will surely be a surgeon or a physician. While it is so, the significator for education, Jupiter, in that chart must be strong, well positioned to give adequate education for being a doctor. These will culminate to fructification during the favorable Desa periods, with helpful sub periods, while Mercury could also support the strength of referred planets. If they are weak in these combinations as above and Jupiter fails to add favorably, then he may become a wild person with unpleasant mental status.

Exploiting Religion and Occult Science for Hacking

2008-12-23T18:58:00.000+05:30

Contents:

Introduction
Overview of Reality Hacking
Occult Science in everyday life
People and Belief
A Real Corporate Sabotage example using Occult
Conclusion
Footnotes
Bibliography
External Links

Introduction

In first part of this series, we will look at how we can use religion and occult science to exploit people and use it to our advantage. It is easy to slip into debates related to religion and global issues, so we will focus on how to use the art� to exploit a specific target with some examples and case studies. The subject itself is controversial in nature, so it's best we kept aside the moral values and ethics for a later discussion.

Overview of Reality Hacking

Before we start, lets understand what hacking is and what a system is. Most people say, hacking is about stealing passwords and getting the root or something similar. And a system is any computer or network which we want to hack. But in true sense, hacking is not just about passwords. It's about improvising a process or taking advantage of a system as a whole. A system consists of people, process and technology. So, even the entire company is a system. The way nature operates is a form of system. Even the way you do your daily routine and spend time with your family is a system. And hacking can be applied just anywhere, by studying it carefully. This view is generally known as reality hacking, and is similar to the final climax of Matrix, where Neo finally believes in himself and sees everything, including himself as a part of Matrix.

Occult science in everyday life.

How many times have you read or seen people reading the daily astrology column in newspapers? or, how many times have you shown your hand to a common friend or a hand-reading expert to know the future? How much of it do you believe really?

Some examples:

In India, almost every marriage is done only if the stars� match. You would face considerable resistance from old grannies and mothers in getting married to the girl you like, if the kundalis¹ do not match. Imagine, a small astrological chart can actually determine if your family approves your relationship or not!

The home interiors, design and furniture is largely determined by vaastu shastra�² in many Indian homes. Even today, new apartments or flats are rejected if they do not satisfy the aspects of Vaastu! So if you are a builder, you have a slightly better chance of selling your newly constructed buildings / homes if you promote them as designed as per Vaastu Shastra in certain parts of India!

Huge donations are given in name of Poojaa�³ or Homam�⁴ which are held almost every month some place or other to ward of evil spirits, seek blessings of god and bring peace and harmony. The revenue generated by these donations qualify the religious bodies to be listed in Stock markets! For example, the annual turnover of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam� (One of the largest religious bodies in India) is over 135,093,956. 32 USD! Not to mention reserves.

Again, some of the largest riots and acts of violence are due to differences between religious communities. We have witnessed thousands of people being killed on the name of religion and justice. As they say, even today most people are judged by the color of their skin.

People and Belief

As we saw from the above examples, it does not matter if you believe in any forms of occult or religion. What matters is many people do. And this belief is the single largest factor to utilize it for your advantage. Over many years i have noticed that gaining trust is easiest when you share your victims belief or add weight to it by your experiences or stories.

It is not hard to find out if your victim can be exploited or not. One can start with a simple sociological game like 'nowadays�' or 'Ain't it awful' and quickly move towards stating a personal problem that got resolved due to a certain practice⁵�. For instance, one can say "You know, I was thinking of purchasing this plot, but luckily I had been to this astrologer and you won't believe it, he said I should not make the purchase as it was not a good period. Just yesterday I came to know that the plot was actually having a lot of legal issues and that it had being seized." Depending on the person or place, stories like this might actually work. If you sound convincing enough, then your victim asks for the address and decides to test the astrologer out.

If you can recollect your days at college, there would be at least one guy who would have claimed to read hands, and all girls would flock around him to ask the same stupid questions, "When will i get married?" "Will i go abroad?" "Will my husband be good looking?" "Will i get first class in my exams?" or more family oriented ones like "Will I always take care of my mother and father?"�; "What about my mothers health?" or "Will i get a job soon?"� and things like that.

To tell you how serious this can be, once out of frustration I replied to a girl that she will have two marriages and that she would get a divorce from her first husband within six months. Before I could realize, she fainted out of shock and fell down the staircase. It was very difficult for me to later tell her that it was just a joke and that she would actually be happy in a single long lasting marriage. This is not an isolated case.

People believe "predictions"� when given in a right environment and though most of them can act as "self-fulfilling prophecies"�, it is natural to be concerned when you are warned of danger.

Now how can ones belief help you in hacking? In any business, if crucial sales professionals or account managers leave a company or are not available for active follow up, they will lose a great amount of business to competitors. Is there any way we can "hack"� into a TAM or pre-sales professionals mind and make them not report to office for a few days for a possible business advantage?

A Real Corporate Sabotage example using Occult

In Mumbai, at Andheri, there are over 3000 companies with corporate offices. On any given working day, there are over 120 odd IT security Pre-sales guys trying to sell their services in various sectors. In such a cut throat competition, it is vital that presentations or proposals are given on time. It is also obvious that not all can qualify for certain jobs and that only few competitors remain in the end.

Company X wanted the deal at all costs. What can it do to prevent company Y from winning this order? It was then that they tried out a simple plan. Krishna (let's say) was a pre-sales guy working with company Y. He used to commute daily from Dombivili to Andheri by local train via Dadar. Company X studied the daily activity of Krishna for a few days and strategically sent a sadhu early morning at his area.

Sadhu⁶

When Krishna came out as usual for going to office, the sadhu came forward and asked for a rupee but instead stopped haphazardly and gave him a cold spooky stare before saying "Your death is near! you are going die in a train accident in less than a week"� (In reality, it was very dramatic). Saying this he gave a "you-are-doomed"� laugh and quickly walked away.

Now what do you think would be the effect? Surprised, Krishna paused for a few seconds and regained his composure before moving to his work place as usual. After two days, company X sent another sadhu who "accidentally� " crossed Krishna's path and suddenly froze before giving him the look.

This time the sadhu said "Son, your life is in danger. Stay at home and recite the hanuman chalisaa⁷ everyday if you want the danger to pass away".� Blessing him, the sadhu started moved away chanting mantras. But this time Krishna quickly called him and asked what the danger was. The Sadhu replied that the period was extremely bad for him for he has not fulfilled a promise made to god. And the only way out was to stay indoors for a week or so chanting "hanuman chalisaa" 108 times a day. During this time he should not travel anywhere as it would surely put him in danger of losing his life.

Even now, the company X did not know how Krishna would react to all this. Krishna thanked the Sadhu, gave him a 50 Rupee note and moved towards office. But soon the two separate incidents of being warned of death put Krishna in the desired state of mind. By the time he reached Dadar, he changed his mind and went back home instead of office. In the next few hours Krishna called in "sick"�.

With an able pre-sales guy not attending office due to "sudden illness"� had its toll on the overall aggressiveness of the business of company Y. Even though company Y sent out another sales guy to handle the job, he did not share the same rapport and comfort as Krishna did with his customers. In less than a week, company X was able to close a crucial deal from an energy based company that was worth over INR .85,00,000/- because of less competition.

As for Krishna, he traveled with great caution for the next one month in local trains.

Conclusion

The belief in supernatural, occult or the unknown can be carefully exploited to our advantage in our daily life. It is very important to take precautions as, an unplanned exceution of such an exploit can lead to a serious psychological damage to the victim. In the next part, we will see some more examples. All comments are welcome.

Footnotes

Kundalis - Astrological Charts used for predictions. WIdely used in India for match making before marriage.
Vaastu Shastra - Similar to Feng Shui, Vaastu Shastra deals with various aspects of designing and building living environments that are in harmony with the physical and metaphysical forces.
Poojaa - A Hindu form of a prayer
Homam - Homa (also known as homam or havan) is a Sanskrit word which refers to any ritual in which making offerings into a consecrated fire is the primary action. The words homa/homam/havan are interchangeable with the word Yagna. Homas are an important religious practise in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Practice - In this case, it refers to a set of superstitious instructions under guidance.
Sadhu - Sadhu is a common term for an ascetic or practitioner of yoga (yogi) who has given up pursuit of the first three Hindu goals of life: kama (enjoyment), artha (practical objectives) and even dharma (duty).
Hanuman chalisaa - A special prayer to the all powerful Hindu monkey god - Lord Hanuman.

Bibliography

Games People Play: the Psychology of Human Relations; 1964 (1978 reprint, Grove Press, ISBN 0-345-17046- 6); (1996 Paperback, ISBN 0-345-41003- 3)

Determinism

2008-12-23T17:56:00.001+05:30

In this article, we demonstrate that arguments against astrological decision making all necessarily assume a strong version of astrological determinism. If these deterministic assumptions are false, as we maintain they clearly are, then these particular arguments against astrological decision making lose their logical force. Thus, serious discussion of the morality of astrological decision making is more properly focused on arguments that examine and address the expected consequences of astrological decision making for individuals and society, and not on ones that would pre-empt such a discussion by arguing that astrological decision making is inherently objectionable.

Our analysis is divided into three separate parts. First, we attempt to define two important terms: "astrological decision making" and "astrological determinism. " Second, after explaining the difference between the stronger and weaker forms of astrological determinism, and examining why the stronger versions of astrological determinism appear very rarely in astrology, we unpack four common arguments against the use of astrological decision making and show how they lean heavily on assumptions of strong astrological determinism. Finally, we argue that moral assessments of astrological decision making should consider arguments that pragmatically examine the medical, social, and economic consequences of astrological decision making, rather than those that rely on unwarranted assumptions of astrological determinism to portray astrological decision making as inherently objectionable.

What is astrological decision making?

"Astrological decision making" is making a decision based on the positions of the stars and planets in the sky which are correlated with earthly events.

Some examples of astrological decision making include:

When to invest in real estate or which business to invest in
Which profession to go for
When to marry
Whom to marry
and so on

What is astrological determinism?

"astrological determinism" is another term that needs clarification. In philosophy, determinism is usually equated with the problem of free will: We are compelled to make the choices that we make as a result of previous circumstances, and we cannot make choices that are genuinely free. This type of determinism, which we shall call psychological determinism, has some profound implications for morality and the law, since we normally ascribe moral or legal responsibility to people under the assumption that they can choose freely. Over the years, philosophers have developed three basic positions on the problem of free will: 1) hard determinism, which holds that we cannot make free choices; 2) indeterminism, which holds that human actions result from spontaneous acts of the will that break free from the world's causal nexus, and 3) compatiblism, which holds that free will is compatible with determinism [1]. According to some compatibilists, actions may be considered "free" if they are caused in the appropriate way. For example, a "free" act is one that results from reasoning and deliberation rather than external forces or emotional compulsions [1].

While questions about the metaphysics of human freedom are of the utmost importance in philosophy, they are not the focus of this article. However, there are some important parallels between psychological determinism and astrological determinism, since the interpretation of causation plays a pivotal role in both of these doctrines. Also, as we shall see below, worries about astrological determinism can reinforce concerns about psychological determinism [2]. Since the concept of causation plays a central role in various forms of determinism in philosophy and science, we will say a bit more about causation. We do not have space in this paper to provide a detailed analysis of causation, but we will make a few critical points that are relevant to questions about astrological determinism (for further discussion of causation, see Salmon, 1997; Tooley, 2000) [3,4].

First, causation is a temporally ordered relationship between events, properties, or processes. In the statement, "lightning caused the forest fire," lightning precedes the forest fire. Second, almost all causal relationships involve more than one factor (or condition). For example, the dryness of the forest and wind velocity would also be causal factors in the forest fire. Very often, causal factors serve as background assumptions in causal explanations [4]. For example, a person who claims that lightning caused the forest fire would be assuming that there was enough oxygen in the atmosphere to fuel the fire. Third, causal statements can be used in explanation or prediction [3]. For example, the statement "smoking causes lung cancer" can be used to predict that a person who is a heavy smoker will develop cancer, or to explain why a heavy smoker develops cancer.

Fourth, and of greatest import for our purposes, causal relationships can be either deterministic or probabilistic [3]. For example, consider the claim "If you drop a rock, it will fall". Many would consider this to be a deterministic form of causation because it does not make a reference to the probability, or chance, of an event occurring: the rock will fall if it is dropped (assuming background conditions, e.g. there is not a strong wind pushing the rock up). However, consider research on smoking and lung cancer. Smoking causes lung cancer, even though many smokers do not develop lung cancer. If you smoke, you may not get lung cancer, but smoking increases your probability of getting lung cancer. While deterministic causation is common in the physical sciences, it is very rare in astrological decision making. Most explanations and predictions in the astrological sciences however are probabilistic, not deterministic.

With the preceding comments in mind, we now consider astrological determinism. astrological determinism can be loosely defined as the view that planetary positions cause predictions of say medical symptoms. This definition is almost trivially true, because medical symptoms have some type of astrological basis. More precisely, one could say that diabetes is astrologically determined if it is caused by a particular planetary configuration. However, even this definition is not precise enough, since it ignores that fact that astrological causation is usually not deterministic in the strict sense: the particular planetary configuration often merely increase the probability, though sometimes quite substantially, that diabetes is present. To differentiate between these types of astrological causation, we distinguish between three different forms of astrological determinism:

Strong astrological determinism: the particular planetary configuration always leads to diabetes.

Moderate astrological determinism: more often than not the particular planetary configuration leads to diabetes. (the particular planetary configuration increases the probability of diabetes and the probability of diabetes, given the particular planetary configuration is greater than 50%).

Weak astrologicaldetermi nism: the particular planetary configuration sometimes leads to the development of diabetes. (the particular planetary configuration increase the probability of diabetes, but the probability of diabetes is still less than 50%.)

Strong astrological determinism is not very common. First and foremost, the dasa timing environment plays a very important role in the expression of most planetary influence. The complex interaction and interdependence of planetary strength and significator determination along with dasa period direct predictions and hence astrological decision making.

Before concluding our article, we briefly discuss a point, which calls into question the deterministic portrayal of astrological decision making and is, therefore, relevant to understanding the role of astrological determinism in arguments against astrological decision making. First, one must distinguish between determinism and fatalism. Fatalism is the view that specific outcomes or events will occur in our lives no matter what we do. The classic example of fatalism is the myth of Oedipus. A prophet told Oedipus that he would kill his father and marry his mother. To avoid this horrible outcome, Oedipus went to live far away from his homeland, and was still unable to avoid fulfilling the prophecy. Analogously, astrological fatalism is the view that we cannot avoid specific astrologically predetermined outcomes, no matter what we do or what happens to us: our fate is in our planets.
Although astrological fatalism has also become a popular belief in some circles, critical examination of this idea shows that it does not square with commonsense. As an almost trivial example, for astrological fatalism to be true an individual possessing a planet responsible for a specific type of cancer must develop that type of cancer, no matter what he or she does. Clearly, this is not the way the world works. Leaving aside any discussion of astrological causation and assuming that, in this case, the planet strongly determines cancer, science might yet discover a pre-emptive cure for that particular cancer and thus prevent planetary expression. Or, to offer one macabre alternative, the person might get hit by a bus and die before ever developing the cancer.

1. Dennett D: Elbow Room: The Varieties of Free Will Worth Wanting. Cambridge: MIT Press; 1984.
2. Peters T: Playing God: Genetic Determinism and Human Freedom. New York: Routledge; 1996.
3. Salmon W: Causality and Explanation. New York: Oxford University Press; 1997.
4. Tooley M: Time, Tense, and Causation. New York: Oxford University Press; 2000

Ayurveda and interesting study - an article on the net

2008-12-23T16:48:00.000+05:30

Quest for good health and long life is probably as old as human existence itself. Human beings have always believed that they are entitled to die of old age rather than disease. Towards this goal they have striven at spiritual as well as material level. Evil spirits were sought to be driven off through charms, incantation and magic , with appeal made to the Creator to be the Saviour and Healer also. At the same time, recourse was taken to medication also. The premise that disease has a cause and efforts need to be made to remove it eventually led to the establishment of a health care system.

The beginnings of medical science in India are contained in the Vedic literature itself. The Rgveda describes the Asvins, Varuna and Rudra as bhisaj, physicians (Macdonell & Keith 1912 II:104) . By bhesaj is meant "remedy", incorporating charms, magic, incantation, etc.. This concept goes back to the era of Indo-Iranian commonality because equivalent terms occur in the Avestan literature as well: manthra baesaza [mantra bhesaj] and haoma baesazya [soma bhesajya]( Bloomfield 1899:58). At the same time , the Vedic literature is familiar with osadhi, that is plants with medicinal properties. As time progressed, the domain of osadhi expanded at the expense of bhesaj, and osadhi itself transcended plants. The discipline of Ayurveda was born as an affiliate of the Atharvaveda.

Made up of two Sanskrit words Ayuh (life) and Veda (knowledge), Ayurveda can be defined as an ancient Indian health care system, comprising both practice and theory, and devoted to a systematized quest for a long, healthy, vigorous and happy life. It comprises two distinct traditions: botanical and the metallurgical ("rasa"). The botanical is the older. The metallurgical with emphasis on mercury constitutes the Siddha system.

That these two streams have always been perceived as distinct can be seen from the fact that they are linked to different divinities: the botanical to the Asvins and Indra, and the metallurgical to Rudra/Siva(Ramachandra Rao 1985 I:62,80}. There are eight divisions (anga) in Ayurveda : salya-tantra (surgery); salakya-tantra (diseases of head and neck); kaya-cikitsa (general medicine); bhuta-vidya ( dealing with evil spirits, etc.); kaumara-bhrtya (paediatrics) ; agada-tantra (toxicology) ; rasayana-tantra; and vajikarana-tantra (dealing with aphrodisiacs, etc.)..

There is a vast literature on the subject, spread over a long span of time. To be able to critically examine the issues pertaining to the origins and evolution of Ayurveda, we must first review the nature, content and limitations of the extant source material. Here, our emphasis will be on the botanical Ayurveda

Source material

The Vedic texts because of their sanctity were preserved in their original form. In the case of the Puranas and the epics, additions were made but not deletions. In contrast, scientific texts such as dealing in healthcare and astronomy generally underwent both deletion and addition. All the well known historical limitations of an oral tradition apply to Ayurveda also. Once an influential text appeared on the scene, contributing and lesser texts were forgotten. We learn about their existence from stray references in survived texts. As befit a field science, Ayurvedic classics were often redacted. We know only about the final or the latest recension. There is often confusion about names. It is not always possible to distinguish between persons of the same name but belonging to different eras. Many names remain shadowy, even though in their own time they would have been held in high esteem. Lesser authors are known to name their work after past celebrities so as to enhance their own work.

Chronology remains a serious problem , made worse by non-rigorous research's passing off wild guesses as firm dates. It should always be borne in mind that in most cases, it is not possible to assign any date to an author or a text. In some cases, because of reference in texts or authors whose dates are independently known, useful time brackets can be assigned. Some times reference in dated literature from outside India gives a firm upper time limit. In short, it is not possible to construct a connected evolutionary history of Ayurveda.

Influential texts

The two basic texts are Caraka-samhita, dealing with inner medicine or therapeutics (kaya-cikitsa) , and Susruta-samhita, dedicated to surgery (salya). We discuss below these and other major Ayurvedic texts. They all essentially deal with botanical Ayurveda. Use of metals as medication along with the philosophy thereof constitutes a special tradition with its own literature.

Caraka-samhita , Susruta-samhita and Vagbhata's Astanga-samgraha (5^th century AD) have been termed Ayurveda's great triad ( brihat-trayi) or ancient triad (vrddha-trayi) , while three later texts , Madhava-nidana (7^th / 8^th cent. AD), Sarngadhara- samhita (AD 1226) and Bhava-prakasa (16^th cent. AD) have been called the three minor classics (laghu-trayi) .In the following we review some of the influential Ayurvedic texts

Caraka-samhita (?-? cent. AD) . Atreya ( son or descendent of Atri) is mentioned as a pioneer in medicine, and Dhanvantari in surgery. Assumed historical , both are of great but uncertain antiquity. Six pupils of Atreya are named : Agnivesa, Jatukarna, Bhela (also spelt Bheda), Harita, Ksirapani ( or Ksarapani) and Parasara). All of them are believed to have composed their own texts based on their Guru's teachings, but only two have reached us. Bhela-samhita became a dead end, but it is historically valuable because it remains in its original form , unlike Agnivesa-tantra which led to greater things, but lost its own identity in the process. It was redacted by Caraka who, on the basis of his widely accepted association with Kanishka can be place in second century AD.

Even Caraka's work did not survive in its original form. With time , one third of it was lost and the remainder became inadequate. The missing parts were supplied and the whole redacted by Drdhabala, an inhabitant of Panchanada-pura, in Kashmir, at the confluence of Indus and Jhelum, identified with present-day Panjor or Panchpanor ( Ramachandra Rao 1985 I:56). Unfortunately, he cannot be dated with any certainty, except that he cannot be earlier than 4^th century AD ( See Navanitaka, below). It is his edition that we now know as Caraka-samhita.

Susruta-samhita (?-2 cent. AD). The surgery classic Susruta-samhita follows the same broad pattern as the Caraka-samhita , in the sense that it is also three-layered, but less details are known. The original text was codified by Susruta, of great but uncertain antiquity, on the basis of teachings of Dhanvantari. Devoted exclusively to surgery , it carried the name Sausruta-tantra. Later, a supplement was added with the tell tale title Uttar-tantra( later treatise), " which treated all subjects unnoticed" by the main text, no doubt to make the text self-contained. To give the whole text an appearance of thematic unity, the anonymous author of Uttar-tantra has also been dubbed Susruta ( so that we have Susruta I and Susruta II).The whole text was redacted by Nagarjuna under the present-day title Susruta-samhita. From the extant text it is not possible to isolate the original Sausruta-tantra from the extant Susruta-samhita. It has been suggested [ by Dalhan see below] that Nagarjuna himself is Susruta II. Nagarjuna is very likely the great Mahayana master and alchemist , who is associated with King Kanishka, and therefore placed in first/second century AD ( Ramachandra Rao 1985 I:95). (There are later persons with the same name also.) It has even been suggested that as with Caraka, Susruta ( meaning famous) should be seen as a personification rather than a person. It thus appears that the final version of Susruta-samhita and the Caraka redaction of Caraka-samhita came into being at about the same time , of Kanishka.

Navanitaka, Bower manuscript (4^th cent. AD). Authentic written information on where Indian medicine stood in fourth century AD comes from an unexpected source, a birch-bark manuscript from Kucha ( also called Kuchar) in eastern Turkistan, on an ancient silk route. (Kucha is now the seat of a county in the Aksu prefecture, Xinjiang, China.) Buddhism was introduced in Kucha in first century AD and by the third/fourth century AD it was a major Buddhist centre with numerous monasteries.

An important part of the Bower manuscript , so-called after its purchaser, Lieut. Hamilton Bower, is the digest called Navnitaka ( "cream churned from curd"), which lists useful medical formulae culled from the then available sources. The digest is merely a copy , probably second hand, of a still older original. On paleographical grounds the manuscript has been dated about AD 350. Its contents must be somewhat earlier.

The listed formulae span a wide range: from hair wash and medicated oils to treatment of childless women. Interestingly , no source is cited in many cases: they mostly turn out to be standard treatises which presumably were expected to be well-known. A comparative study reveals that twenty nine formulae are copied from the pre-Drdhabala portion of Caraka-samhita, suggesting that his own redaction was still in the future. Another fifteen come from Bhela-samhita. Three more formulae , dealing with atisara (diarrhea),are taken verbatim from Bhela-samhita. These three figure in Susruta-samhita' s Uttar-tantra also , but in a different wording. We thus learn that Bhela was a source for Uttar-tantra. The older part of Susruta-samhita lends three formulae.

In case of some of the formulae, however, the authors are named. To the extent they can be identified, they are from the archives (Atreya and his four lesser pupils and others like Jivaka and Dhanvantari) . As befits a scientific work, latest scholarship was considered more important than old masters.

Astanga-samgraha ( 6^th cent. AD). The two classics, the Caraka and the Susruta, "are to an extent rambling and discursive" (Ramachandra Rao 1985 I:24).Their essential details have been "neatly collected" in the voluminous and comprehensive medical treatise Astanga-samgraha, prepared by Vagbhata, who is probably also the author of Astanga-hrdya- samhita, based on the former. ( Like the astronomer Aryabhata, Vagbhata also has a single `t' in his name.) Astanga-samgraha is the first medical text to incorporate astrological concepts. It is claimed that diseases which originate during different stellar (naksatra) conjunctions follow different courses. One wonders if Vagbhata's source on matters astrological was Varahamihira 6^th cent. AD), because Varahamihira quotes a verse on rasayana from Astanga-samhita (Rama Rao 1992:216). This would suggest that Vagbhata was a contemporary of Varahamihira and therefore lived in the sixth century AD. This date would be broadly consistent with the well known fact that the Chinese Buddhist monk I-tsing who was in India during AD 673-685 seems to implicitly refer to Astanga-samgraha.

Madhava-nidana (7^th / 8^th cent. AD). An outstanding work on diagnosis of diseases has been Rog-viniscaya ( or Rug-viniscaya) authored by Madhava-kara , a native of Silahrada in Bengal and placed in the seventh/eighth century AD. The work is better known after him as Madhava-nidana. Madhava draws heavily on Caraka-samhita, Susruta-samhita, Astanga-hrdya- samhita and to a lesser degree on others including Astanga-samgraha. Some parts seem to have been Madhava's own contribution unless they are borrowed from texts no more extant. All matter has been integrated and arranged in a coherent and systematic manner. No wonder then that Madhava-nidana itself has been the subject of a large number of commentaries (Meulenbeld 1992:243-246) . It has continued to be "an indispensable aid to physicians for over a thousand years". With Vagbhata and Madhava-kara, "Ayurveda became highly systematized, its pharmacopoeia expanded, and treatment procedures got refined" ( Ramachandra Rao 1985 I:9). Madhava-nidana was translated into Arabic during the 9th century and into Italian in 1913-14.

Ayurveda-dipika (11^th cent. AD ). An influential commentary on Caraka-samhita, "widely relied upon by Indian physicians" is Caraka-tatparya- tika, better known as Ayurveda-dipika, composed by Cakrapani-datta (11^th century AD), a native of Bengal. The Caraka we know is the Caraka constructed by Drdhabala and Cakrapani-datta. The latter also wrote an incomplete commentary on Susruta-samhita, called Bhanumati.

Nibandha-samgraha (12^th cent. AD ) . The most celebrated commentary on Susruta-samhita, called Nibandha-samgraha, was composed by Dalhana ( also spelt Dallana), who lived in 12^th century AD, at a place called Ankola near Mathura. Dalhana was a practising physician, who travelled extensively to acquaint himself with popular knowledge about plants and details of their medicinal use. He incorporated local health care knowledge into formal texts by Sanskritizing many local plant names. In addition, he was a widely-read scholar. His justly famous commentary provides a wealth of other information as well.

Sarngadhara- samhita (AD 1226) . A "short but solid text-book" is Sarngadhara- samhita, composed in AD 1226 by Sarngadhara. Prescriptions are copied from earlier works , but diseases are dealt with more elaborately Pulse examination ( nadi-pariksha) for diagnostic purposes appears here for the first time. " This is the oldest work in which calcinations and similar metallurgical techniques are dealt with."

Bhava-prakasa (16^th cent. AD). The most famous of the later texts is Bhava Misra's Bhava-prakasa, the oldest manuscript of which ( now in Tubingen) is dated AD 1558. The text "repeats earlier accounts and formulae" but also adds new diseases and cures. Small pox (masurika) is described as "possession by the goddess Sitala", and an invocation to her included among the remedies . Notably, it is the first Indian text to describe syphilis , which is called phiranga ("foreigner" ), and attributed to physical contact with the Portuguese.

Bhava-prakasa has a celebrated pharmacological supplement, called Bhava-prakasa- nighantu. It describes drugs ( herbs, metals, foodstuffs, honey, etc.).It mentions use of Chopa-chini (dvipantara- vacha) to cure syphilis (firanga-roga) .

Materia Medica

While the theoretical framework of Ayurveda has remained more or less the same, the knowledge about drugs has expanded. New things were learnt about old drugs, and incorporated into the texts by coinage of new terms and synonyms. Iksuraka was dubbed Kokilaksaka to denote "the colour and shape of seeds .(Raghunathan & Dube:393). Kunkuma had been called Bahlika after its source of supply. Vagbhata called it Kasmiraja, to convey the important information that it grew in Kashmir also.

It was a common practice to prepare a drug directory-cum- handbook as an aid to the physician. When prepared as a stand-alone, it was called Nighantu, the term being borrowed from the Vedic literature.

The Vedic corpus names about 260 herbs. Kautilya'a Artha-sastra 330.The number increases to 385 in Susruta-samhita and to 500 in Caraka-samhita. The celebrated Bhava-prakasa- nighantu (16^th century, referred to above) provides information on about 500 plant products of which about 400 are of actual drug value. There have been more recent compilations as well. Most of the physicians work with about 600 Ayurvedic drugs. (Ramachandra Rao 1985 :75)

(Paper presented at Seminar on "Science and Technology in India's Past", organized by Aligarh Historians Society at Delhi University, during the 68^th Indian History Congress, 29-30 December 2007.)

References

Bloomfield, M.(1899)The Atharvaveda (Strasbourg: Trubner) [Reprint New Delhi : Asian Publication Services,1976]

Chattopadhyaya, D.P. (!977) Science and Society in Ancient India , Reprint 1979.( Calcutta : Research India Publication)

Kutumbiah, P. (1969) Ancient Indian Medicine, 2^nd ed. (Bombay: Orient Longman)

Macdonell, A.A. and Keith, A.B. (1912) Vedic Index of Names and Subjects, 2 vols.( Reprinted , Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1982)

Meulenbeld, G.J.(1992) Madhava's work on Nidana and Cikitsa. In: Sharma (1992), pp.243-258

Mukhopadhyaya, Girindranath (1922-1929) History of Indian Medicine, three volumes.( Calcutta: Calcutta University) [Reprinted, Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal,2003]

Raghunathan, K. and Dube, S.D. (1992) Dravyaguna (Pharmacology) .In ; Sharma(1992) ,pp. 391-397

Ramachandra Rao, S.K. (1985) Encyclopaedia of Indian Medicine, Vol. I : Historical Perspective. Reprint 1998 (Mumbai: Popular Prakashan)

Rama Rao, B. (1992) Vagbhata. In : Sharma (1992),pp205- 222

Sharma, Priya Vrata (1982) (ed.) Dalhana and His Comments on Drugs (Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal)

Sharma, Priya Vrata (1992) (ed.) History of Medicine in India : From Antiquity to 1000 AD ( New Delhi : Indian National Science Academy)//

Hinduism and Practises

2008-12-12T19:50:00.000+05:30

Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?

From ancient times, Hindus have worshipped trees and regarded all
flora and fauna as sacred. This is not an old fashioned or uncivilized
practice. It reveals the sensitivity, foresight and refinement of Hindu Culture.
While modern man often works to "conquer" Mother nature, ancient Hindus
"worshipped" her.

The Lord, the life in us, prevades all living beings be they plants or
animals. Hence, they all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth
depends on plants and animals. They give us the vital factors that make life
possible on earth : food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc. They lend
beauty to our surroundings. They serve man without expectation and sacrifice
themselves to sustain us. They epitomise sacrifice. If a stone is
thrown on a fruit-laden tree, the tree in turn gives fruit!

In fact, the flora and fauna owned the earth before man appeared on
it. Presently, the world is seriously threatened by the destruction of the
forest lands and the extinction of many species of vegetation due to
man's callous attitude towards them. We protect only what we value. Hence,
in Hinduism, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred.
Naturally, we will then protect them.

Hindu scriptures tell us to plant ten tress if, for any reason, we
have cut one. We are advised to use arts of the trees and plants only as much
as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. We also urged to apologize to a
plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona.
In our childhood, we are told stories of the sacrifice and service done by
plants and trees and also about our duty to plant and nourish them. Certain
trees and plants like tulsi, peepal etc. which have tremendous beneficial
qualities, are worshipped till today.

It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and
many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the God.

Why do we fast?

Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like
festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits
or a special diet of simple food. Some undertake rigorous fasts when they
do not even drink water the whole day! Fasting is done for many reasons- to
please the Lord, to discipline oneself and even to protest. Mahatma Gandhi
fasted to protest against the British rule.

Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means near + vaasa means
to stay. Upavaasa therefore means staying near (The Lord), meaning the
attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what has
upavaasa to do with food?

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items,
preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our mind
dull and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and
conserve energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from
eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-
occupied by the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and stays with the
Lord. Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered
to with joy.

Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best.
Rest and a change of diet during fasting is very good for the digestive
system and the entire body.

The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands.
Fasting helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires
and guide our minds to be poised and at peace.

Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to
indulge later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting. Some
fast, rather they diet, merely to reduce weight. Others fast as a vow to
please the Lord or to fulfill their desires, some to develop will power,
control the senses, some as a form of austerity and so on. The Bhagavad Geeta
urges us to eat appropriately- neither too less nor too much yukta-aahaara
and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet ) even when not
fasting

Why do we ring the bell in the temple?

In most temples there are one or more bells hung from the top, near
the entrance. The devotee rings the bell as soon as he enters, thereafter
proceeding for darshan of the Lord and prayers. Children love jumping
up or being carried high in order to reach the bell.

Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let
the Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing.
Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a
homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all
times. Then why do we ring the bell?

The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious
sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be
auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who
is all-auspiciousness.

Even while doing the ritualistic aarti, we ring the bell. It is
sometimes accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical
instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and
other instruments is that they help drown any in-auspicious or irrelevant
noises and comments that might disturb or distract the worshipper/s in their
devotional ardour (dedication) , concentration and inner peace.

Why do we worship the kalash?

A kalash is a brass, mud or copper pot filled with water. Mango
leaves are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red
or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in an
intricate diamond-shaped pattern. The pot may be decorated with
designs. When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha
representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life
force gains power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.

A kalash is placed with due rituals on all important occasions like
the traditional house warming (grhapravesh), wedding, daily worship etc.
It is placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a
traditional manner while receiving holy personages.

Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu was reclining on His
snakebed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from which
appeared Lord Brahma, the Creator, who thereafter created this world.
The water in the kalash symbolises the primodial water from which the
entire creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the
potential of creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and the
sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the energy behind
the universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation. the thread
represents the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalash is therefore
considered auspicious and worshipped.

The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of all the vedas
and the blessings of all the deities are invoked in the kalash and its water
is thereafter used for all the rituals, including the abhisheka. The
consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner
with elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more kalash of holy
water on the top of the temple.

When the asurs and the devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord
appeared bearing the pot of nectar which blessed one with everlasting life.
Thus the kalash also symbolises immortality.

Men of wisdom are full and complete as they identify the infinite
truth (poornatvam. They brim with joy and love and represent all that is
auspicious. We greet them with a purnakumbha ("full pot")
acknowledging their greatness ands as a sign of respectful reverential welcome,
with a "full heart".

Why do we worship tulsi?

Either in the front, back or central courtyard of most Indian homes
there is a tulsi-matham an altar bearing a tulsi plant. In the present day
apartments too, many maintain a potted tulsi plant. The lady of the house lights
a lamp waters the plant, worships and circumambulates it. The stem, leaves,
seeds, and even the soil, which provides it a base, are considered holy. A
tulsi leaf is always placed in the food offered to the Lord. It is also
offered to the Lord during poojas especially to Lord Vishnu and His incarnations.

In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulsi - that which is
incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulsi. For Hindus, it is one of the most sacred
plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship
which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so
self-purifying.

As one story goes, Tulsi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda,
celestial being. She believed that Lord Kirshna tricked her into sinning. So she
cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and
adherence to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would
become the worshipped plant, tulsi that would adorn His head. Also
that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulsi leaf - hence the
worship of tulsi.

She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.
Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family worship the tulsi. Tulsi
is married to the Lord with all pomp ans how as in any wedding. This is
because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort.

Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary
wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulsi leaf was placed along with
the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion. Thus the tulsi played
the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object
offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.

The tulsi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various
ailments, including the common cold.

Why do we consider the lotus as special?

The Lotus is India's national flower and rightly so. Not long ago,
the lakes and ponds of India were full of many hued lotuses.

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam,
shivam, sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various
aspects are compared to a lotus (ie. lots-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the
lotus of heart etc.). Our scriptures ans ancient literature extols the
beauty of the lotus.Art and architecture also portray the lotus in various
decorative motifs and paintings. Many people have names of or related to the
lotus: Padma, Pankaja, Kamal, Kamala, Kamalakshni etc. The Goddess of wealth,
Lakshni, sits on a lotus and carries one in her hand. the lotus blooms with the rising sun and closes at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its
surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to
remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances. The lotus leaf never
gets wet although it is always in water. It symbolises the man of wisdom
(gyani who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change.
The lotus posture, padmaasana is recommended when one sits for meditation.

A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Bhrahma
originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolises the link between
the creator and the supreme Cause. It also symbolises Brahmaloka, the
abode of Lord Brahma.

The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the
lotus.

From the above, we can well appreciate why the lotus in India's
national flower and so special to Hindus.

Why do we blow the conch?

In temples or at homes, the conch is blown once or several times
before ritualistic worship (pooja). It is sometimes blown whilst during
aarti or to mark an auspicious occasion. It is blown before a battle starts or to
announce the victory of an army. It is also placed in the altar and
worshipped

When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om eminates. Om is an
auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the
world. It represents the world and the truth behind it.

As the story goes, the demon shankhaasura defeated the devas, stole
the vedas and went to the bottom of the ocean. The devas appealed to Lord
Vishnu for help. He incarnated as matsya avataar - the "fish incarnation",
and killed shankhaasura. The Lord blew the conch - shaped bone of his ear
and head. the Om sound emanated, from which emerged the vedas. All
knowledge enshrined in the vedas is an ellobration of Om. The conch therefore
is known as shankh after shankhaasura. The conch blown by the Lord is called
paanchajany. He carries it all times, in one of his four hands. It
represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals
(purushaarthas) of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the
victory call of good over evil. If we place a conch close to our ears, we
hear the sound of the waves of the ocean.

Another well known purpose of blowing the conch and other
instruments, known traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask the
negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the
minds of the worshippers.

Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over
by a primary temple and several smaller ones. During the aarti performed
after all important poojas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be
blown. Since, villages were generally small; the sound of the conch would be
heard all over the village. People, who could not make it to the temple,
were reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few
seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate
people's minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily
routine.

The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the
Lord as a symbol of naada brahma (truth), the vedas, Om, dharma, victory and
auspiciousness. It is often used to offer devotees tirth (sanctified
water) to raise their minds to the highest truth.

Why do we say Shaanti thrice?

Shaanti, meaning 'peace', is a natural state of being. Disturbances
are created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in a place
until someone made noise. Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations.
When agitations end, peace is naturally experienced since it is
already there. Where there is peace, there is happiness. Therefore, everyone
without exception desires peace in his/her life. However, peace within or
without seems very hard to attain because it is covered by our own
agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of
external agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting
prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of
the external disturbances. All such prayers end by the chanting shaanti
thrice.

It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes
true. For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law
also, on who takes the witness stand says, "I shall speak the truth, the
whole truth and nothing but the truth".

We chant shaanti thrice to emphasize our intense desire for peace.

All obstacles, problems and sorrows originate three sources:

1. Aadhidaivika: The unseen divine forces over which we have
little or no control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.

2. Aadhibautika: the known factors around us like accidents,
human contacts, pollution, crime etc.

3. Aadhyaatmika: Problems of our bodies and minds like diseases,
anger, frustrations etc.

We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake
special tasks or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems
are minimized from the three sources written about above. May peace alone
prevail? Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.

It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It
is chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate
surroundings and those around, and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.

Why do we offer coconut?

In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut,
it is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new
vehicle, bridge, house etc. a pot (kalash) full of water adorned with
mango leaves and a coconut on top is worshiped on important occasions and
used to receive revered guests.

It is offered in the sacrificial fire while performing hom. The
coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasad.
It is offered to please the Lord or to fulfill our desires.

There was a time when animal sacrifice (bali) was practiced,
symbolizing the offering of our animalistic tendencies to the Lord. Slowly this
practice faded and the coconut was offered instead. The fibre covering of the
fried coconut is removed except for the tuft on the top. The marks on the
coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken,
symbolizing the breaking of the ego. The juice within representing
the inner tendencies (vaasanas) if offered along with the white kernel - the
mind, to the Lord. A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as
prasad (a holy offering).

In the traditional, abhishekh ritual done in all temples and many
homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey,
tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a
specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers. Tender
coconut water is used since it is believed to bestow spiritual growth on the
seeker.

The coconut also symbolizes selfless service. Every part of the
coconut tree - the truck, leaves, fruit, coir etc. is used in innumerable ways like
thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil etc. It takes in salty water and
converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to the
sick people. It is also used in the preparation of many ayurvedic
medicines and applications.

The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed
Lord Shiva and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our
desires.

Why do we chant Om?

Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in Hinduism. It has a
profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the
surroundings. Most mantras and Vedic prayers start with Om. All
auspicious actions begin with Om. It is even used as a greeting - Om, Hari Om
etc. it is repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped,
contemplated upon or used as an auspicious sign.

Om is the universal name of the Lord. The sound emerging from the
vocal chords starts from the base of the throat as 'A' with the coming
together of the lips, 'U' is formed and when the lips are closed, all sound ends
with 'M'. The three letters symbolize the three states (waking, dream and
deep sleep) the three Lords (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas
(Rig, Yajur and Sama) the three worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah and Suvah) etc. The
Lord is all these and beyond. The formless, attribute-less Lord is
represented by the silence between two Om chants. Om is also called pranav that
means "that (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised". The entire essence
of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Om.

It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting Om
and atha. Hence it sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning
for any task that we undertake.

The Om chant should have the resounding sound of a bell. It fills the
mind with peace, makes it focused and replete with subtle sound. People
mediate on its meaning and attain realization.

Om is written in different ways in different places, and its
symbolizesLord Ganesh.

Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the
world and the Truth behind it, the material and the sacred, all forms and
the formless.

Why do we aarti?

Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of the
Lord or to welcome an honoured guest or saint, we perform the aarti. This
is always accompanied by the ringing of the bell and sometimes by
singing, playing of musical instruments and clapping.

It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja
ritual. It is referred to as the auspicious light (mangala niraajanam). Holding
the lighted lamp in the right hand, we wave the flame in clockwise
direction to light the entire form of the Lord. Each part is revealed individually
and also the entire form of the Lord. As the light is moved we either do
mental or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the beautiful form of
the Lord, illuminated by the lamp. We experience an added intensity in our
prayers and the Lord's image seems to manifest a special beauty at that time. At
the end of the aarti we place our hands over the flame and then gently touch
our eyes and the top of the head.

We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood.

Let us find why we do the aarti?

Having worshiped the Lord with love - performing abhishekh,
decorating the
image and offering fruits and delicacies, we see the beauty of the
Lord in all His glory. Our minds are focused on each limn of the Lord as it
is lit up by the lamp. It is akinto silent open-eyed meditation on His
beauty. The singing, clapping ringing of the bell etc. denotes the joy and
auspiciousness, which accompanies the vision of the Lord.

Aarti is often performed with camphor. This holds a telling spiritual
significance. Camphor when lit burns itself out completely without
leaving a trace of it. Camphor represents our inherent tendencies
(vaasanas).when lit by the fire of knowledge which illuminates the Lord (truth), our
vaasanas thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of the
ego which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate
from the Lord. Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of the Lord it
emits a pleasant smell even while it sacrifices itself. In our spiritual
progress, even as we serve the guru and society, we should willingly sacrifice
ourselves and all we have, to spread the perfume of love to all.

We often wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the
aarti is actually performed; our eyes close automatically as if to look
within. This is to signify that each of us is the temple of the Lord - we hold the
divinity within. Just as the priest reveals the form of the Lord clearly
with the aarti flame, so too the guru clearly reveals to us the
divinity within each of us with help of the 'flame' of knowledge. At the end
of the aarti, we place our hands over the flame and then touch our eyes and
top of the head. It means - may the light that illuminated the Lord light up
my vision, may my vision be divine and my thoughts noble and beautiful.

The philosophical meaning of aarti extends further. The sun, moon,
stars, lighting and fire are the natural sources of light. The Lord is the
source of all these wondrous phenomena of the universe. It is due to Him
alone that else exist and shine. As we turn our attention to the very source of
all light which symbolizes knowledge and life.

Also the sun is the presiding deity of the intellect, the moon that
of the mind, and fire, that of speech. The Lord is the supreme consciousness
that illumines all of them. Without Him the intellect cannot think, nor
can the mind feel nor the tongue speak. The Lord is beyond the mind,
intellect and speech.

Hinduism and Worship

2008-12-12T16:56:00.004+05:30

Hinduism and worship has different style of worship compared to other religions.

Some of the things were OK for olden times, but do have value now.

Here are few things which we do and why we do

Why do we light a lamp?

In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar
of theLord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day at
dawn
and dusk- and in a few it is maintained continuously (akhanda deepa).
All
auspicious functions and moments like daily worship, rituals and
festivals and even many social occasions like inaugurations commence
with the
lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the
occasion.

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness ignorance. The Lord is the
"Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener
and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the
Lord
Himself.

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also
knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievements
can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the
greatest of all forms of wealth. Knowledge backs all our actions
whether good or bad. We therefore keep a lamp lit during all
auspicious
occasion as a witness to our thoughts and actions.

Why not light a bulb or tube light then? That too would remove
darkness.
But thetraditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The
oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our "vaasnas" or negative tendencies and
the wick,the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the "vaasnas" get
slowly exhaustedand the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always
burns upwards.Similarly, we should acquire such knowledge as to take us
towards higher ideals.

A single lamp can light hundreds more just as a man of knowledge can
give it to many more. The brilliance of the light does not diminish
despite its repeated use to light many more lamps. So too knowledge does not
lessen when shared with or imparted to others. On the contrary it
increases in clarity and conviction on giving. It benefits both the receiver and
the giver.

Obviously for poor, the cooking fire is as good as above. Same cause.

Why do we have a prayer room?

Most Hindu homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit
and the Lord worshipped each day. Other spiritual practices like
"japa" (repetition of the Lord's name), meditation, "paaraayana" (reading of
the scriptures), prayers, devotional singing etc. is also done here.
Special worship is done on auspicious occasions like birthdays,
anniversaries, festivals and the like. Each member of the family - young or old -
communes with and worships the Divine here.

The Lord is the owner of the entire creation. He is therefore the
true owner of the house we live in too. The prayer room is the master
room of the house. This notion rids us of false pride and possessiveness.

The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of
our homes and ourselves as the caretakers of His home. But if this
rather difficult, we could at least think of Him as a very welcome guest.
Just as we would house an important guest in the best comfort, so, too
we felicitate the Lord's presence in our homes by having a prayer room or
altar, which is, at all times, kept clean and well decorated.

Also the Lord is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our
home with us, we have prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task
can be successfully or easily accomplished. We invoke His grace by
communing with Him in the prayer room each day and on special occasions.

Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like bedroom
for resting and sleeping, the drawing room to receive guests, the
kitchen for cooking etc. the furniture, décor and the atmosphere of each
room are made conductive to the purpose it serves. So too for the purpose of
meditation, worship and prayer, we should have a conductive atmosphere
- hence the need for a prayer room.

Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence
the minds of those who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and
vibrations accumulated through regular meditation, worship and chanting done
there pervade the prayer room. Even when we are tired or agitated, by
just sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated and
spiritually uplifted.

For poor people who live ina hut or a singel room house, find a corner, and place any pictures or Idols East Facing (Ganesha only preferred, due to education and medication).

In the night, before sleep make sure you cover them with cloth for mental happiness.

Why do we do namaste?

Hindus greet each other with "namaste". The two palms are
placed together in front of the chest and the head bows while saying
the word "namaste". This greeting is for all - people younger than us, of our
own age, those older than us, friends and even strangers.

Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural
convention or an act of worship. However there is much more to it than
meets the eye.

In Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means - I bow to you - my
greetings, salutations or prostration to you.

Namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It
has a spiritual significance of negating or reducing one's ego in the
presence of another.

The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When
we greet another, we do so with namaste, which means, "may our minds
meet" indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down
of the head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility.

The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity,
the Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with
the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed the Divinity in
the person we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes as we namaste
to a revered person or the Lord as it to look within. The gesture is often
accompanied by words like "Ram Ram", "Jai Shri Krishna", "Jai Siya
Ram", "Om Shanthi Om" etc. - indicating the recognition of this divinity.

When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a
superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper communion
with another in an atmosphere of love and respect.

A simple Hello or Hi in the modern times, gives the same respect as above.

Why do we prostrate before parents & elders?

Hindus prostrate to their parents, elders, teachers and
noble souls by touching their feet. The elders in turn bless by
placing his/her hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet
elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task,
birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles, prostration
is accompanied by "abhivaadana" which serves to introduce oneself,
announce one's family and social stature.

Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of
respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders
personify. It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for
us and the sacrifices that they have made for our welfare. It is a way
of humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects
the strong family ties which has been of India's enduring strengths.

The good wishes (sankalpa) and the blessings (aashirvaada) of elders
are highly valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts
create positive vibrations. Good wishes springing from a heart full of
love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate
with humility and respect, we invoke good wishes and blessings of
elders which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why
the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position,
enables the entire body to receive the energy.

The different forms of showing respect are :

* Pratuthana - rising to welcome a person.

* Namaskaara - paying homage in the form of namaste.

* Upasangrahan - touching the feet of elders or teachers.

* Shaashtaanga - prostrating fully with the full body
touching the ground in front of the elder.

* Pratyabivaadana - returning a greeting.

Rules are prescribed in our scripture as to who should prostrate to
whom. Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in
ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This
is why a king though a ruler of the land would prostrate before a spiritual
master. Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting
this aspect.

The above applies for able bodied people only and those who are not sick.

Why do we wear marks on the forehead?

Most religious Indians, especially married women wear a tilak or
pottu on the forehead. It is applied daily after the bath and on
special occasions, before or after ritualistic worship or visit to the temple.
In many communities, it is enjoined upon married women to sport a kum kum on
their foreheads at all times. The orthodox put it on with due rituals.
The tilak is applied on saints and images of the Lord as a form of worship
and in many parts of North India as a respectful form of welcome, to
honour guests orwhen bidding farewell to a son or husband about to embark on
an journey. The tilak varies in colour and form.

This custom was not prevalent in the Vedic period. it gained
popularity in the Pauranic period. Some believe that it originated in
South India.

The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and
others. It is recognised as a religious mark. It form and colour vary
according to one's caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord
worshiped.

In earlier times, the four castes (based on verna or color) -
Braahmana,Kshatriya,Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The
brahmin applied a white chandan (sandalwood paste) mark signifying
purity as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The
Kshatriya applied a red kum kum mark signifying valour as he belonged to the
warrior races. The Vaishya wore yellow kesar or termeric mark signifying
properity as he was a business man or trader devotted to creation of wealth. The sudra
applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as
he support the work of the other three divisions. Also Lord Vishnu
worshipers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U", Lord Shiva worshipers applied a
tripundra bhasma, Devi worshippers applied red dot of kum kum.

The chandan, kum kum or bhasma which is offered to the Lord is taken
back as prasad and applied on foreheads. The tilak covers the spot
between the eye brows, which the seat of memory and thinking. It is known as
the aajna chakra in the language of yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer -
"May i remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my
activities. May I be righteous in my deeds". Even when we temporarily forget this
prayerful attitude the mark on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is
thus a blessing of the Lord and protection against wrong tendencies
and forces.

The entire body emanates energy in the form of electro-magnetic
waves - the forehead and the subtle spot between the eye brows
especially so.
That is why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak or
pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes,
the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic
reusable 'stick bindis' is not very beneficial, even though it serves
the purpose of decoration.

This unique to Indians and helps to easily identify us anywhere.

But, I personally know the case of Dotheads (those who wear bindis or marks on heads) beign shot in the head in the USA, by the ever terror KKK, Klu Klux Klan who promote, the mass hysteria of white supremacy, still active in Many parts of the world.

So beware, other than your own country dont wear, or amongst countrymen, you can wear.

Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young age, never to touch
papers, books and people with our feet. Of the feet accidentally touch
papers, books, musical instruments or any other educational equipment,
children are told to reverentially touch what was stamped with their
hands and then touch their eyes as a mark of apology.

To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given
respect at all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and
secular. But in ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual was considered
divine and taught by the guru in the gurukul.

The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent
reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in the Indian
culture. From an early age this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and
education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and
instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the
Goddess of Learning.

Children are also strongly discouraged from touching people with
their feet. Even if this happens accidentally, we touch the person and
bring the fingers to our eyes as a mark of apology. Even when elders touch a
younger person inadvertently with their feet, they immediately apologize.

To touch another person with feet is considered an act of misdemeanor
because: man is regarded as the most beautiful, living, breathing
temple of the lord! Therefore touching another person with feet is
akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This calls for an
immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility

Thus, many of our customs are designed to be simple but powerful
reminders or pointers of profound philosophical truths. This is one of
the factors that have kept Indian culture alive across centuries.

But again, for people without hands, who are taught to learn to write with feet & toes are exempted.

Why do we apply holy ash?

The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the
holy ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special
wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered by pouring ash as abhisheka
and is then distributed as Bhasma. (Bhaspa)

Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain
parts of the body, like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub
it all over the body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.

The word Bhasma means "that by which our sins are destroyed and the
Lord is remembered". Bha implies bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma
implies smaranam("to remember"). The application of Bhasma therefore signifies
destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is
called vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies and raksha
(which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill
health and evil,by purifying him or her.

Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred mantras)
signifies the offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires
into the flame of knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash
signifies the purity of the mind which results from such actions. Also the fire
of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia
respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false
identification with body and become free of the limitations of birth
and death.

The application of ash also reminds us that body is perishable and
shall one day be reduced to ashes. We should therefore not get too
attached to it. Death can come at any moment and this awareness must increase our
drive to make the best use of time. This is not to be misconstructed
as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact
that time and tide wait for none.

Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all
over his body. lord Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripiundra. When
applied with a red spot in the centre, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the
unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and un-seen universe)

Ash is what remains when all the wood is burnt away and it does not
decay. Similarly, the Lord is the imperishable Truth that remains when
the entire creation if innumerable names and forms is dissolved.

Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It
absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and
headaches. The Upanishads say that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra
should be chanted while applying ash on the forehead.

But please make sure, you buy it from a good vendor. If you dont get any, for just applying sake, you can keep some unscented talc or baby powder in front of God pictures/idols in Puja Room, to fixate the Cosmic energy on them, before using as Bhasma / Bhaspa / Vibuthi.

Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

In western tradition food is partaken after a thanks giving prayer -
grace. Indians make an offering of it to the Lord and later partake of
it as prasad- a holy gift from the Lord. in temples and in many homes, the
cooked food is first offered to the Lord each day. The offered food is mixed
with the rest of the food and then served as prasad. In our daily
ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food to the Lord)

This is done because: The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a
part, while the Lord is the totality. All that we do is by his
strength and knowledge alone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our
actions is really his alone. We acknowledge this thru the act of
offering food to him.
This is exemplified by the Hindi words "Tera tujko arpan from the
aarti "Jai Jagdesh Hare" - I offer what is yours to you. Thereafter it
is akin to his gift to us, graced by his divine touch.

Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating
changes. The food offered will naturally be pure and the best. We
share what we get with others before consuming it. We do not demand, complain or
criticize the quality of the food we get. We do not waste or reject it. We eat
it with cheerful acceptance (prasad buddhi). When we become established
in this attitude, this goes beyond the pre-view of food and pervades our
entire life. We are then able to cheerfully accept all we get in life
as his prasad.

Before we partake daily meals we first sprinkle water around the
plate as an act of purification. Five morsels of food are placed on
the side of the table acknowledging the debt owed by us to the:

* Divine forces (devta runa) for their benign grace and
protection.
* Our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and
the family culture.
* The sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been
"realized" maintained and handed down to us by them.
* Our fellow beings (manushya runa) who constitute society
without the support of which we could not live as we do and
* Other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.

There after the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the
five life- giving physiological functions, is offered the food. The
five life- giving functions are praanaaya (respiratory), apaanaaya
(extretory),vyaanaaya (circulatory), udaanaaya (reversal) and samaanaaya (digestive). After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasad - blessed food.

Also, make sure whomsoever gives these prasad, is not having any forms of disease, and healthy.

Why do we do pradakshina ?

When we visit a temple. after offering prayers, we circumambulate the
santum sanctorum. This is called pradakshina.

We cannot draw a circle without a centre point. The Lord is the
centre, source and essence of our lives. Recognising Him as the focal
point in out lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the
significance of pradakshina

Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from
the centre. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are
equally close to the Lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.

The pradakshina is always down only in clockwise manner because, as
we do pradakshina the Lord is always on our right. In Hinduism, the
right side symbolises auspiciousness. It is a telling fact that even in the
English language it is called the "right" side and not the wrong one!
So as we circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an
auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord to lead an auspicious
life of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source
of help and strength, as our guide - the "right hand" - the dharma aspect
of our lives.

We thereby overcome our wrong tendencies and avoid repeating the sins
of the past.

Indian scriptures enjoin - matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava,
acharyadevo bhava. Meaning : May you consider your parents and
teachers as you would the Lord. With this in mind we also do pradakshina around our
parents and divine personages. The story of Lord Ganesh circumambulating his
parents is a well known one.

After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do
pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognise and remember
the supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolised in the form of
the Lord that we worship outside.

This is important for people to gain the cosmic energy into their body, unique to a given temple. If you dotn have time, or for want of time, if you are in a tour, you can stand in fron of the temple door, and rotate once in the clockwise direction, that gives the same effect.

Why do we give offerings in form of money?

Usualy for Brahmins who do pujas, they have to earn as much as possible during festivals etc.

People do not offer during famine, and it is customary to give as much as possible.

Hence these rules of offering, Hundi are written and kept. Nowadays government ensures good collection.

Other than temple maintenance expense, the amount is spent back on people.

Tirupathi Devasthanam is one good org, in terms of running Universities, Colleges, and Schools. Provides Healthcare. Also gives prasad at a subsidiary cost. One laddu costs Rs 25/. when I type this, but sold at Rs 10/-. A small prasad while comign out is also given, along with food coupon, that is normally given to poor standing outside, who might sell it in turn.

BUTTERFLY

2008-12-10T20:17:00.001+05:30

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly!

My niece was a bit confused so, I gave her an example of her life. “There is a right time for everything”, I said. She started to crawl before she started walking. She learn't alphabets before she started reading and writing. She added that it was all because of people who was with her that helped her to know so many things.

After putting her to bed I thought how true she was. We have so many expectations from life. When we start doing something we expect everything to fall into place. What we do not realize is that behind the success we have the blessings of the Almighty and our elders, the help of our friends, the trust of the innocent youngsters and our own efforts.

The year end is nearing and things would look better by March 2009 in the economy.

Good bye 2008 and Welcome 2009 should start now!

God Bless you all!

Female Horoscope

2008-12-07T10:07:00.000+05:30

Q; I am a student of Astrology over three years. I seek your good time to tell me is there any special identifications - apart from male horoscopes - in female charts to be seen. I request your guidelines.

Ans: Yes there are many points should be considered in a female horoscope not to be found in men horoscopes.

In “Poorva Paracharyam”, a compiled chapters quoting various slokas from ‘Sripathi Paddathi’, ‘Saravallee’, ‘ Jathaka Parijatha’ and ‘Bruhath jathaka’ will help us to find these important details in a female chart.
“STHREENAM DVADESA RASIBEDHAA UCHCHAYYANTHE” CH 3 SL: 105 AND FURTHER SLOKAS.In a lady’s horoscope :
Lagna (1) - Body, health and personality, 2nd House : Prosperity and wealth; 3rd House - Brothers and Sisters; 4th House - Mother; 5th House - Father; 6th house - Enemies; 7th house - Progeny; 8th House - Comfort and death; 9th House - Service and gifts to humanity; 10th House - Service and livelihood; 11th House - Profit; 12th House expenses.
Further, the 5th House in a lady’s horoscope is said to indicate the gains in wealth for her. When the 5th Lord is house in 2nd House from Lagna, her husband will enjoy rides on vehicles; If the Lord of 2 nd house positioned in 1,2,4,7 or 10 from lagna, She will have many vehicles all her life.

In a girl’s birth chart, if the 11th Lord is in exalted in the 2nd house from Lagna, or the Lord of 2nd House is housed in the 11th house of the birth chart, she will be rich and have many vehicles in her life. If the Lord of the 11 house from Lagna in a woman’s chart posited in 1,2,4, 7, 10 or 11th house, her husband will have great prosperity and won many vehicles.
7th house in a girl’s chart is reckoned as the house to see the birth of child for her.
If the Lord of the 7th house from Lagna, is a benefic or exalted, or housed in that seventh house, or that Lord has the ‘Drusti’ - vision - from such a Planet, during the Desa Period (Vimshothri Desa) or Bukti Period of a favorable Planet to that Planet, she will beget more children.

If both Boy and Girl has similar Planets (Malefic or Benefic or friendly) in the 7th house of each one of them, they would marry in the same cast without much difficulties. If the 7th house is occupied by Jupiter or Venus or both, in ether of the birth charts, they are born in a religious and strict principled families. If it is not so and occupied by other Planets they would have born in other than strict religious families. This contention is referred to even when the 7th house was in aspect of said Planets.

In a girl’s birth chart, lord of the 7th House or ‘Kalathra Sthanathi Pathi’ is posited in his own house, or in exalted position, or in the house friendly or temporarily friendly Planet owned house, or positioned in the 7th Lord is posited in the 11th house from the position of Venus the husband will very long, healthy and wealthy all his life.

This continues to be a lengthy article, and has many intrigue details for deep study in a woman’s horoscope, including her periods, women related sickness, compatibility, morale etc, to be covered here.

Blessings.

Jupiter Transit into Capricorn, December 2008

2008-12-05T15:21:00.006+05:30

Jupiter enters Capricorn (Makara) on 09 December 2008 at 19:11:37 hrs at Greenwich 0° 0’ 0” E 51°29’0’’ North. and moves to Aquarius (Kumbha) on 19th December 2009 at 19:45:05 Hrs. GMT after degradation.

The first stage of our discussion below will be from 09 December 2008 at 19:11:37 to 1st May 2009 Jupiter enters Aquarius at 14:10:50 hrs GMT that day Jupiter transits in the Star Zone of UTHRASHADA Pada 2,3, and Four From 9th December 2008 at 19:11:37 (Greenwich Time) to 22d January 14:15:10 Hrs.

The total forward transit days is 122 Days. Then, Jupiter enter in Aquarius (Kumba) and Retrograde to re-enter into Capricorn (Makara) Jupiter moves into Aquarius in the FIRST forward motion from Capricorn on 1st May 2008 at 14:10:50 GMT Hours.The total 122 days of forward movement of Jupiter during FIRST Transit to enter in Aquarius .Jupiter and Rahu will be in same line to Earth at 20:00:37 Hours GMT on 11th February 2009, at 14°45’33” in Shravana 2nd Pada ;

Sun in 29° 14’47 in Dhanishta (2); Mars 11° 34’06” in Shravana (1);

Mercury 03° 15’15” Uttarashada (2).

Jupiter’s ‘Fall degree’ (Neecha) is the first 5°, and Mars ‘Exaltation’ (Uncha) is 28°

For both these planets in Capricorn.

Moon and Saturn are ‘Maraka’ for Capricorn.

Fortunately none of these Planets, who occupy the Capricorn at the time Rahu Meets Jupiter, on line with earth, is in ‘Combust’ - very close to Sun- (Mars should be within 17°,

Mercury to be 13°,Jupiter to be 11°). No ‘Combust’ position for Rahu as it is not a Planet.

Defined results when Rahu passes through Capricorn when Moon (in Birth Chart) is in Leo, the following could be the results at this time to be effected. ( these will result when Rahu is passing entire space of Capricorn )

1. Rahu gives good results generally.

2. Native (born in the Stars of Leo - Makha, Purva Phalguni, Uthara Phalguni 1 Pada -) gets money from many sources.

3. The Native gets relieved from all worries; Will become comfortable from his commitment, worries and other liabilities.

4. Enemies will be subdued, court cases will reach a stage of satisfaction. Native will gain upper hand in litigations.

5. He will gain through acquaintance through a lady speaking language other than his own. Likely to get pleasure and profit through her.

6. The native will command respect and honor.

7. If his maternal uncle was not favorable to him ( a hindrance to his progress or desire) will turn favorable to him.When Jupiter passes through the 6th house form the position of Moon (in Birth Chart as above)

1. Jupiter gives bad only.

2. He / She be forced to leave to a place unwanted or to an comfortable position in office,work or in family.

3. His paternal member of his family could have wounds over body.

4. The Native could suffer with windy diseases, dysentery, digestive disorders, etc

5. There will be quarrels between the ‘spouses’.

6. Unwanted mental fear could invade him. He will be pessimistic.

7. He /she will put up a face of bad temper and anger

Now the second stage....

At this time Saturn ( R) is in Leo ( Simha) 26°16’13” with Moon 28° 47’24” in Uttar Phalguni - to cause ‘Punarphoo Dhosha’

The Moon moves to Leo on 16/12/2008 a 22.15.22 Hrs GMT When Saturn is in Leo at 27°15’22”. Moon travels through Leo and enters Virgo on 19^th December 2008 at 3:17:49 Hrs.

In the above period the ‘Punarpoo Dhosa’ prevails ( Saturn and Moon in Leo) and this will delay in decisions for some to cause to be caught unaware of events to happen.

However, immediately after this period some firm decisions will be taken by concerned to cause conflict to cause heavy damages to properties, fight between parties and consequent confusion.

Jupiter moves into Aquarius in the FIRST forward motion from Capricorn on 1^st May 2009 at 14:10:50 GMT Hours. Jupiter continues its movement forward in Aquarius , till 15^th June 2009:: 9:57’25” Hrs GMT at 3°01’27” in Danita (3^rd Pada), before it Retrogrades to reach Capricorn again, The total 46 days of FORWARD into in Aquarius.

Jupiter Retrogrades from 15^th June 2009 to 30^th July 2009 :: 14: 17:26 Hrs. GMT Enters into Capricorn Zone again in Dhanishta 2. The Total days of this return retrograded movement is another 45 days.

The total period of ‘Sanchara in Dhanishta 3 in Aquarius (to and fro) will be 90 days .

During this period Jupiter has very less power to effect the results to Natal, and those person had negative experiences during the first transit in Capricorn will have gain and recovery from those loses or disappointments, while these could not be listed as ‘excellent‘. However, this period would satisfy many.

Jupiter gains forward motion in Capricorn on 13^th October 2009 at 04:31:06 hrs GMT in 23°10’06” Sharavana (4^th Pada). Jupiter crosses Capricorn finally on 19^TH December 2009 19:45:05 Hrs GMT and enters Aquarius.

While Jupiter enters into the Star Zone of Shravana at 14:15:04 Hours GMT on 22^nd January 2009.

At that time Sun will be at 8°44’13” Uthrashada (4)

Mercury ( R) 4° 14’ 33” Uthrashada (3)

Rahu 15° 49’ 49” Shravana (2)

Jupiter enters into the star Zone of Dhanishta at 20:12:05 Hours GMT on 22 March 2009: while, the Moon on that day will be 23 ° 09’ 49” in Shravana (4) which is Moon star as well; while Rahu on that day will be 12°41’31’ Shravana (1) again a Moon star.

Jupiter, in the same line of Moon at 23:49:05 Hours GMT in Purvashada Star Zone (2 Pada) - Wednesday the 25.March.2009, to Earth.

Jupiter and Mars will be on line with earth on 17^th February 2009 - Tuesday

(Mars day) 16:27:07 GMT at 16°07’07” in Capricorn in the star zone of Shravana (2 Pada)

Mercury will be in the same line of Jupiter at 6:52:21 Hours in Sharavana (3) at 17°37’ 40” on 24^th Feb 2009, to Earth.

Sun will be in the same line of Jupiter at 5:44:06 Hours in Shravana (1) at 10° 22’ 58” on 24^th January 2009, to Earth.

I am expecting an international conflict (war) could break causing many human loss during the above periods. Heavy lose in finance is seen in natal charts.

Those who would like to have ready reference on ‘combust’ positions of Planets from Sun is given below:

(1) Mars 17 Degrees; (2) Mercury 13 Degrees; (3) Jupiter 11 Degrees

(4) Venus 9 Degrees (5) Saturn 15 Degrees.

Grahana Yoga

2008-12-05T15:13:00.001+05:30

Here is an explanation of grahana yoga or gulping of planets is all about...

As per mythology rahu and ketu are demons who are famous to deceive and devoid the native of the reality which is positively termed as causing maya and moksha. also as per mythology, rahu gulps sun and ketu gulps moon.

So this explanation hold good for believers only.

As per astronomy, these are two intersection points of the moon's orbit and ecliptic beacuse they cause temporary obstruction of light thereby causing an eclipse. since the light of sun and moon are essesntial and their eclipse is felt by all sentient beings on the earth.

Be it mythology or astronomy, in the following cases ecliptic affect is felt in a native, in their order:

1. conjunction of sun and rahu
2. conjunction of sun and ketu
3. conjunction of moon and rahu
4. conjunction of moon and ketu
5. rahu in sun's sign leo
6. ketu in sun's sign leo
7. rahu in moon's sign cancer
8. ketu in moon's sign cancer
9. sun in rahu's nakshatra
10. sun in ketu's nakshatra
11. moon in rahu's nakshatra
12. moon in ketu's nakshatra

Negative affects of grahana yoga are felt more in the mahadasa and anatardasas of rahu and ketu akin to similar affects in KSY.

The worst a native can imagine is the combination of grahana yoga and sampoorn kalasarpa yoga viz. sun+rahu and ketu+moon and all planets hemmed one side of the axis. this is supposed to be thousand times more powerful than the ordinary KSY.

Since rahu and ketu have drunk the amrut (nectar) and have become immortal and were granted devata status by the gods and are worshipped equally with all other seven planets in navagrahapoojas and navagraha homams and since rahu and ketu are allotted the stars equally and have dasha periods akin to other planets, their role in humans is of vital importance.

Due to the changed desha, kala, vartamana situations, rahu is presented positively because if rahu is powerful in a chart, that native is adept in making strategies (deceiving others) and get his things done.

Similarly several traits of rahu and ketu are seen positively due to the changed perception and requirements of the changed world. Hence Astrologers started telling customers that if you want this or that trait of rahu or ketu, in that way rahu and ketu are good for you. the most positive influence of rahu is seen when natives ask about foreign travel, foreign job and forein settlement. This shows to astrologers that you have some money to spend on geting visa, PR etc.

This is where they suggest, with parihara's an make a killing.

This guess by them that you are rich and charge you 100 times more money for a simple Rs 100/- rudraksha.

I personally know a case, where two rudraksha were glued, to tell that it is 12 faced, where actually it was 6 faced x 2 only. This is the world.

The simple parihara would be to visit a temple on a saturday, and go around the NavaGraha 9 times and offer someone, at least 1 rupee, other than a beggar.

If it works for you send me an email or post a comment, if you benefit and if you wish to donate some money to me for a worthy cause, if you feel like, let me know.

The Law of the Garbage Truck

2008-12-03T18:57:00.000+05:30

One day I hopped into a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call "The Law of the Garbage Truck." He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.

Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the street. The bottom line is that successful people don't let garbage trucks take over their day.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so…
"Love the people who treat you right. Forgive the ones who don't."

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it! Good Day!

Words of Osho

2008-12-01T21:21:00.000+05:30

Words of Osho........ .......
============ ========= ========= ===
My effort is to give you the dignity of being a master. And unless
each of my sannyasins is a master unto himself, he is going to remain
in different kinds of slaveries, consciously or unconsciously.
Nobody in the whole history of man has tried to give man his dignity.
Yes, Jesus says to people, "You are my sheep, I am your shepherd."
And I sometimes wonder: not a single man stood up to say, "Shut up,
please! I am also a shepherd."
Gautam Buddha's story is that he was born while his mother was
standing under a saal tree. It is a strange way of being born, and
not only that, he stood directly on the earth coming out of the womb.
Ordinarily the head comes first. Once in a while the feet also come
first, but nobody has ever heard that a just-born child stands on the
earth and walks seven feet and declares to the world, "I am the most
enlightened person in the whole existence."

My problem is that for twenty-five centuries nobody has criticized
this man, what kind of nonsense... we have become so enslaved that we
have lost the courage. Even when we see absolutely patent nonsense,
we don't raise a question. We simply accept it. We are left in such a
situation that we have lost all our intelligence. And the profit goes
certainly to the vested interests; they would like you to remain in
the same situation.
I would like you, Amrito, just to forget all about spiritual growth.
Forget all about spiritual goals. Existence has no goal; existence is
simply a tremendous playfulness of energy, not going anywhere.
Rejoice in this dance, be part of this dance, and flowers of
tremendous bliss will shower on you.
Nobody has to lead you and nobody has to save you. All those people
were nothing but very subtle egoists. They have dominated humanity up
to now, and this is the result that we see all over the world -- just
misery. People go on living, because what else to do. They go on
dragging themselves knowing perfectly well that in the end is the
grave. Hoping, dreaming, imagining, but not living.
I teach you life, and life is now and here.
It is always now and always here and except drowning yourself into
life in all its dimensions, in all its colors, there is no paradise.
There is nothing else but this sheer dance.
People go on changing their illusions.
When they are young somebody has the illusion of love; perhaps love
will open the doors of all the mysteries. It opens the doors, not of
the mysteries, but of the miseries. Somebody is running after money.
And a man like Henry Ford, when asked, "You have earned more money
than anybody else in the world. Now, at the top, how do you feel?"
said, "Utterly frustrated, because at the top there is nothing. All
that I have learned in my whole life is climbing ladders. I went on
climbing hoping that on the next rung may be the fulfillment. .. but
the fulfillment never comes."

I have said to Amrito that when people are finished with their
worldly hopes, illusions, dreams, then they change and they start
hoping about spiritual growth, about God, about paradise. These are
the same people and this is the same mind which has not learned
anything at all.
Unless you are completely disillusioned -- that means now you don't
think of tomorrow at all -- you will not know the pure truth of
existence, which just exists in this moment. You will not fall in
tune with it. You are always moving away, postponing. You are going,
you are always on the go.
It is time for you to be completely disillusioned -- of worldly
illusions, of otherworldly illusions, of love, of money, of
enlightenment. Just simply be whatever you are, and you have arrived
home.
In fact you have never left it.

You have always been here.

Just to bring you back to your senses....

Grandma Faginbaum, out walking her dog, goes into the local
supermarket and leaves the dog tied to the railing outside.
Immediately, the dog is surrounded by all the neighborhood dogs who
come to sniff.
A cop, standing close by, watches this and calls to the old
woman, "Lady, you can't leave your dog alone like that, she's in
heat."
"Eat?" says Grandma Faginbaum. "She'll eat anything."
"No, no!" shouts the cop. "The dog should be bred."
"Bread, cake, biscuits," calls out Grandma, "she'll eat anything you
give her."
Becoming frustrated, the cop yells out, "Your dog should be screwed!"
"So screw her," calls back Grandma. "I always wanted a police dog."

Okay, Maneesha?
Yes, Beloved Master.

THE END.

Can This Black Box See Into the Future

2008-12-01T19:18:00.001+05:30

Can This Black Box See Into the Future?

Posted on: Friday, 11 February 2005, 00:00 CST

DEEP in the basement of a dusty university library in Edinburgh lies a small black box, roughly the size of two cigarette packets side by side, that churns out random numbers in an endless stream.

At first glance it is an unremarkable piece of equipment. Encased in metal, it contains at its heart a microchip no more complex than the ones found in modern pocket calculators.

But, according to a growing band of top scientists, this box has quite extraordinary powers. It is, they claim, the 'eye' of a machine that appears capable of peering into the future and predicting major world events.

The machine apparently sensed the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center four hours before they happened - but in the fevered mood of conspiracy theories of the time, the claims were swiftly knocked back by skeptics. But last December, it also appeared to forewarn of the Asian tsunami just before the deep sea earthquake that precipitated the epic tragedy.

Now, even the doubters are acknowledging that here is a small box with apparently inexplicable powers.

'It's Earth-shattering stuff,' says Dr Roger Nelson, emeritus researcher at Princeton University in the United States, who is heading the research project behind the 'black box' phenomenon.

'We're very early on in the process of trying to figure out what's going on here. At the moment we're stabbing in the dark.' Dr Nelson's investigations, called the Global Consciousness Project, were originally hosted by Princeton University and are centred on one of the most extraordinary experiments of all time. Its aim is to detect whether all of humanity shares a single subconscious mind that we can all tap into without realising.

And machines like the Edinburgh black box have thrown up a tantalising possibility: that scientists may have unwittingly discovered a way of predicting the future.

Although many would consider the project's aims to be little more than fools' gold, it has still attracted a roster of 75 respected scientists from 41 different nations. Researchers from Princeton - where Einstein spent much of his career - work alongside scientists from universities in Britain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. The project is also the most rigorous and longest-running investigation ever into the potential powers of the paranormal.

'Very often paranormal phenomena evaporate if you study them for long enough,' says physicist Dick Bierman of the University of Amsterdam. 'But this is not happening with the Global Consciousness Project. The effect is real. The only dispute is about what it means.' The project has its roots in the extraordinary work of Professor Robert Jahn of Princeton University during the late 1970s. He was one of the first modern scientists to take paranormal phenomena seriously. Intrigued by such things as telepathy, telekinesis - the supposed psychic power to move objects without the use of physical force - and extrasensory perception, he was determined to study the phenomena using the most up-to-date technology available.

One of these new technologies was a humble-looking black box known was a Random Event Generator (REG). This used computer technology to generate two numbers - a one and a zero - in a totally random sequence, rather like an electronic coin-flipper.

The pattern of ones and naughts - 'heads' and 'tails' as it were - could then be printed out as a graph. The laws of chance dictate that the generators should churn out equal numbers of ones and zeros - which would be represented by a nearly flat line on the graph. Any deviation from this equal number shows up as a gently rising curve.

During the late 1970s, Prof John decided to investigate whether the power of human thought alone could interfere in some way with the machine's usual readings. He hauled strangers off the street and asked them to concentrate their minds on his number generator. In effect, he was asking them to try to make it flip more heads than tails.

It was a preposterous idea at the time. The results, however, were stunning and have never been satisfactorily explained.

Again and again, entirely ordinary people proved that their minds could influence the machine and produce significant fluctuations on the graph, 'forcing it' to produce unequal numbers of 'heads' or 'tails'.

According to all of the known laws of science, this should not have happened - but it did. And it kept on happening.

Dr Nelson, also working at Princeton University, then extended Prof John's work by taking random number machines to group meditations, which were very popular in America at the time. Again, the results were eye popping. The groups were collectively able to cause dramatic shifts in the patterns of numbers.

From then on, Dr Nelson was hooked.

Using the internet, he connected up 40 random event generators from all over the world to his laboratory computer in Princeton. These ran constantly, day in day out, generating millions of different pieces of data. Most of the time, the resulting graph on his computer looked more or less like a flat line.

But then on September 6, 1997, something quite extraordinary happened: the graph shot upwards, recording a sudden and massive shift in the number sequence as his machines around the world started reporting huge deviations from the norm. The day was of historic importance for another reason, too.

For it was the same day that an estimated one billion people around the world watched the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey.

Dr Nelson was convinced that the two events must be related in some way.

Could he have detected a totally new phenomena? Could the concentrated emotional outpouring of millions of people be able to influence the output of his REGs. If so, how?

Dr Nelson was at a loss to explain it.

So, in 1998, he gathered together scientists from all over the world to analyze his findings. They, too, were stumped and resolved to extend and deepen the work of Prof Jahn and Dr Nelson. The Global Consciousness Project was born.

Since then, the project has expanded massively. A total of 65 Eggs (as the generators have been named) in 41 countries have now been recruited to act as the 'eyes' of the project.

And the results have been startling and inexplicable in equal measure.

For during the course of the experiment, the Eggs have 'sensed' a whole series of major world events as they were happening, from the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia to the Kurdish submarine tragedy to America's hung election of 2000.

The Eggs also regularly detect huge global celebrations, such as New Year's Eve.

But the project threw up its greatest enigma on September 11, 2001.

As the world stood still and watched the horror of the terrorist attacks unfold across New York, something strange was happening to the Eggs.

Not only had they registered the attacks as they actually happened, but the characteristic shift in the pattern of numbers had begun four hours before the two planes even hit the Twin Towers.

They had, it appeared, detected that an event of historic importance was about to take place before the terrorists had even boarded their fateful flights. The implications, not least for the West's security services who constantly monitor electronic 'chatter', are clearly enormous.

'I knew then that we had a great deal of work ahead of us,' says Dr Nelson.

What could be happening? Was it a freak occurrence, perhaps?

Apparently not. For in the closing weeks of December last year, the machines went wild once more.

Twenty-four hours later, an earthquake deep beneath the Indian Ocean triggered the tsunami which devastated South-East Asia, and claimed the lives of an estimated quarter of a million people.

So could the Global Consciousness Project really be forecasting the future?

Cynics will quite rightly point out that there is always some global event that could be used to 'explain' the times when the Egg machines behaved erratically. After all, our world is full of wars, disasters and terrorist outrages, as well as the occasional global celebration. Are the scientists simply trying too hard to detect patterns in their raw data?

The team behind the project insist not. They claim that by using rigorous scientific techniques and powerful mathematics it is possible to exclude any such random connections.

'We're perfectly willing to discover that we've made mistakes,' says Dr Nelson. 'But we haven't been able to find any, and neither has anyone else.

Our data shows clearly that the chances of getting these results by fluke are one million to one against.

That's hugely significant. ' But many remain skeptical.

Professor Chris French, a psychologist and noted skeptic at Goldsmiths College in London, says: 'The Global Consciousness Project has generated some very intriguing results that cannot be readily dismissed. I'm involved in similar work to see if we get the same results. We haven't managed to do so yet but it's only an early experiment. The jury's still out.' Strange as it may seem, though, there's nothing in the laws of physics that precludes the possibility of foreseeing the future.

It is possible - in theory - that time may not just move forwards but backwards, too. And if time ebbs and flows like the tides in the sea, it might just be possible to foretell major world events. We would, in effect, be 'remembering' things that had taken place in our future.

'There's plenty of evidence that time may run backwards,' says Prof Bierman at the University of Amsterdam.

'And if it's possible for it to happen in physics, then it can happen in our minds, too.' In other words, Prof Bierman believes that we are all capable of looking into the future, if only we could tap into the hidden power of our minds. And there is a tantalization body of evidence to support this theory.

Dr John Hartwell, working at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, was the first to uncover evidence that people could sense the future. In the mid-1970s he hooked people up to hospital scanning machines so that he could study their brainwave patterns.

He began by showing them a sequence of provocative cartoon drawings.

When the pictures were shown, the machines registered the subject's brainwaves as they reacted strongly to the images before them. This was to be expected.

Far less easy to explain was the fact that in many cases, these dramatic patterns began to register a few seconds before each of the pictures were even flashed up.

It was as though Dr Hartwell's case studies were somehow seeing into the future, and detecting when the next shocking image would be shown next.

It was extraordinary - and seemingly inexplicable.

But it was to be another 15 years before anyone else took Dr Hartwell's work further when Dean Radin, a researcher working in America, connected people up to a machine that measured their skin's resistance to electricity. This is known to fluctuate in tandem with our moods - indeed, it's this principle that underlies many lie detectors.

Radin repeated Dr Hartwell's 'image response' experiments while measuring skin resistance. Again, people began reacting a few seconds before they were shown the provocative pictures. This was clearly impossible, or so he thought, so he kept on repeating the experiments. And he kept getting the same results.

'I didn't believe it either,' says Prof Bierman. 'So I also repeated the experiment myself and got the same results. I was shocked. After this I started to think more deeply about the nature of time.' To make matters even more intriguing, Prof Bierman says that other mainstream labs have now produced similar results but are yet to go public.

'They don't want to be ridiculed so they won't release their findings,' he says. 'So I'm trying to persuade all of them to release their results at the same time. That would at least spread the ridicule a little more thinly!' If Prof Bierman is right, though, then the experiments are no laughing matter.

They might help provide a solid scientific grounding for such strange phenomena as 'deja vu', intuition and a host of other curiosities that we have all experienced from time to time.

They may also open up a far more interesting possibility - that one day we might be able to enhance psychic powers using machines that can 'tune in' to our subconscious mind, machines like the little black box in Edinburgh.

Just as we have built mechanical engines to replace muscle power, could we one day build a device to enhance and interpret our hidden psychic abilities?

Dr Nelson is optimistic - but not for the short term. 'We may be able to predict that a major world event is going to happen. But we won't know exactly what will happen or where it's going to happen,' he says.

'Put it this way - we haven't yet got a machine we could sell to the CIA.'

But for Dr Nelson, talk of such psychic machines - with the potential to detect global catastrophes or terrorist outrages - is of far less importance than the implications of his work in terms of the human race.

For what his experiments appear to demonstrate is that while we may all operate as individuals, we also appear to share something far, far greater - a global consciousness. Some might call it the mind of God.

'We're taught to be individualistic monsters,' he says. 'We're driven by society to separate ourselves from each other. That's not right.

We may be connected together far more intimately than we realise.'

-----

On the Net:

Global Consciousness Project

A Fortune Telling Primer - How The World Tells The Future

2008-11-25T13:09:00.000+05:30

Do you believe that someone can predict the future? Whether or not you believe, do you understand the various methods used by the practitioners of fortune telling, the art of telling the future? I have been studying fortune telling for some time now and while I will admit to a healthy dose of skepticism regarding the practice I also think it is quite fascinating to read about their methods and the people who believe in them. In this primer I will expose the primary methods fortune tellers use to tell the future, broken down by geographical region.

Asia

Asian fortune telling began in China in the earliest dynasty known, Three Sovereign Ones and the Five Emperors, which dates to before 2600 B.C. With time the methods employed by the Chinese have spread to the rest of Asia under different names, but similar approaches. No matter in which Asian country it is practiced, however, the fortune telling method can be traced back to China.

These are the four major methods used to tell the future in Asia:

1. Face reading. In this method the teller analyzes the three primary regions of the face, upper which represents youth, middle which represents middle age and lower which represents old age. By analyzing the lines, shape, blemishes and other aspects of the face the practitioner is able to foretell the luck of the recipient as it pertains to that age of their life. For example, someone may be told they will have bad luck when they are in middle age but will have good luck when they get older, because of what the see in the different regions of the face.
2. Palm reading. The lines of the palm are analyzed to predict love, personalty and other traits. It is similar to western palmistry you may have seen in the movies or practiced for fun when you were a child.
3. Kau Cim. In this technique a bamboo cylinder is filled with incense sticks that have some inscription on them. The fortune teller shakes the stick until one incense stick falls out, which is then analyzed to reveal the future. This is a short term prediction as it is only good for the calendar year.
4. Zi wei dou shu. In this method a master of the Chinese calendar is sought out to give ones destiny path, or fate. It is done using a Chinese astrology, and it can also be used not only to tell the future but also justify why things happened in the past.

Africa

Africa is a large continent and the methods for fortune telling vary. However, one common approach is that of casting or throwing bones. This is practiced throughout Africa with various different objects used to represent the bones - small animal bones, pieces of wood, small rocks or shells can all be used. A common approach is to gather around in a circle while the caster throws and then reads the bones.

These are the two primary methods used in throwing the bones:

1. Simple count. In this method each bone is marked with a number. After the bones are cast, a mathematical formula is used based on whether the bones are touching each other or not, their directional position and what the number was. The score is then used to tell the future.
2. Symbolic. In this method each bones is chosen to represent something, for example a bone from a rabbits foot to represent travel, a shell to represent ocean, etc. The position of each symbolic bone is then used to determine the fate of the requester.

Europe & America

The practice of fortune telling is not respected not understood in the western world, at least to the degree it is elsewhere. Despite that, however, there are a number of believers and accepted practices.

These are the four major methods used to tell the future in Europe and the Americas:

1. Astrology. The attempt to answer a question by constructing a horoscope for the exact time and place at which the question was asked.
2. Tasseography. The interpretation of patterns in tea leaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments.
3. Tarot reading. Using tarot cards to predict the future.
4. Palmistry. Palm reading, similar to the Asian method.

Fortune tellers are respected and revered in the East and reviled in the West. But no matter where you live and what your beliefs, it is interesting to learn about them. I hope you found this primer instructive, and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to walk your own path in life.

The Hanuman Chalisa

2008-11-12T10:46:00.000+05:30

The Hanuman Chalisa is a devotional hymn to the Hindu god Hanuman, and is so called because it has 40 verses (In Hindi, "Chalisa" means "forty") It is attributed to the authorship of poet-saint Tulsidas(1532- 1623), the author of the Ramcharitmanasa . The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most popular texts for recitation, because it is believed to confer many benefits on those who recite it. The benefits guaranteed in the text include health, general protection, and spiritual attainments. Hanuman is one of the most popular Hindu deities, hailed for his courage, loyalty, humility, strength, fame, protective powers, knowledge, art of speech, easy accessibility and devotion. Lord Hanuman is always portrayed as a staunch devotee of Rama, and he stands as a model for a true devotee. The Chalisa is forty verses of prayer to Hanuman, with two invocatory verses and a concluding verse.Verses
Opening Invocation
Purifying my mind's mirror with the pollen dust of my guru's lotus feet, I will narrate Lord Rama's blemishless fame, which fulfills the four aspirations of life (viz. Dharma, Artha, kama and moksha).
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj Nija man mukur sudhar Varnao Raghuvar Vimal yasu Jo dayaku phal char
Knowing I have no intelligence and little understanding I meditate on the Son of the Wind (Lord Vayu). Give me strength, intelligence, and wisdom, Take away my faults and shortcomings.
Buddhi Hin Tanu Janike Sumirau Pavan Kumar Bal buddhi Vidya dehu mohi Harahu Klesa Vikar
1. Victory to Lord Hanuman, the ocean of knowledge and virtues, Hail! Lord of Monkeys, famous through the three worlds.
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagarJai Kapis tihun lok ujagar
2. Lord Rama's messenger, possessing immeasurable strength, Anjana's son, named the Son of the Wind.
Ram doot atulit bal dhamaAnjani-putra Pavan sut nama
3. A great warrior, heroic, tough like Diamond. Warding off the wicked, keeping company with the good.
Mahavir Bikram BajrangiKumati nivar sumati Ke sangi
4. Golden-faced, resplendent in fine clothing, Earrings in his ears, and curly hair.
Kanchan varan viraj subesaKanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa
5. Hands resplendent with mace and bannerOn your shoulder a sacred thread of munja grass.
Hath Bajra Aur Dhuvaja VirajeKandhe moonj janehu sajai
6. Shiva's son, and Kesari's delight, the whole world knows your brilliant power.
Sankar suvan kesari NandanTej pratap maha jag vandan
7. Wise, virtuous, exceedingly clever, Ever intent on doing Lord Rama's work,
Vidyavan guni ati chaturRam kaj karibe ko aatur
8. Delighted in hearing tales of Rama's deeds and dear to Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.
Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaRam Lakhan Sita man Basiya
9. In your subtle form, you revealed yourself to Sita, In your enormous form, you burned Lanka,
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahim dikhavaBikat roop dhari lanka jarava
10. In your horrific form, you slaughtered the demons, And completed Rama's work.
Bhima roop dhari asura samhareRamachandra ke kaj sanvare
11. You brought the life-giving herb to revive Lakshmana, and Lord Rama hugged you tightly with delight.
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan JiyayeShri Raghubir Harshi ur laye
12. Lord Rama praised you exceedingly, saying "you are as dear to me as my brother Bharata!"
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badaiTum mam priya Bharat-hi sam bhai
13. Embracing cheek to cheek, Lord Rama proclaimed, "The thousand-headed serpent will sing your praise",
Sahas badan tumharo jash gaaveUs kahi Shripati kanth lagaave
14. "Sanaka, Brahma, and all the other sages, Narada, Sarasvati, and the Serpent King will glorify you".
Sanakadik Brahmadi MuneesaNarad Sarad sahit Aheesa
15. "Yama, Kubera, and all the divine guardians will also praise you" Which poet has enough skill to do this justice?
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan teKabi kovid kahi sake kahan te
16. You helped the monkey prince Sugriva, Introduced him to Lord Rama, and gave him a kingdom.
Tum upkar Sugreeva hin keenhaRam milaye rajpad deenha
17. Vibhishana paid great attention to your mantra, He became Lord of Lanka, the whole world knows this.
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan manaLankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana
18. Although the Sun is at a thousand light-years distance, You leaped at it in play, mistaking it for a sweet fruit.
Yug sahasra jojan par BhanuLeelyo tahi madhur phal janu
19. Holding Rama's ring in your mouth, You crossed the ocean to Lanka, this is no surprise.
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh maheeJaladhi lantti gaye achraj nahee
20. Whatever is difficult to do in this world, Becomes easy through your grace
Durgam kaj jagat ke je tesugam anugraha tumhre tete
21. You are the gatekeeper at Lord Rama's divine abode, None can enter without your permission.
Ram dware tum rakhvareHoat na agnya binu paisare
22. Your sheltering care brings all happiness, With your protection, whom should one fear?
Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarnaTum rachchak kahu ko dar na
23. You alone can carry your splendid valourThe three worlds tremble at your battle-cry.
Aapan tej samharo aapaiTeenhon lok hank te kanpai
24. When your name is uttered, Great Hero, Ghosts and ghouls dare not come near.
Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavaiMahavir jab naam sunavai
25. Ceaseless repetition of heroic Hanuman's NameDestroys disease, and removes all afflictions.
Nase rog harai sab peeraJapat nirantar Hanuman beera
26. Hanuman releases from difficulties anyone who remembers him in thoughts, words, and deeds.
Sankat se Hanuman chudavaiMan Karma Bachan dyan jo lavai
27. All power belongs to Lord Rama, king of ascetics, but you are intent on doing his work.
Sub par Ram tapasvee rajaTin ke kaj sakal Tum saja
28. Whatever other desires are there, Your devotee gains a blissful life.
Aur manorath jo koi lavaiSohi amit jeevan phal pavai
29. Your fame spans the four cosmic ages, O Highest Perfected One, Enlightener of the world!
Charon yug partap tumharaHai parsidh jagat ujiyara
30. You protect true ascetics and the righteous, Destroyer of demons, and Lord Rama's dear one.
Sadhu Sant ke tum RakhwareAsur nikandan Ram dulhare
31. You can bestow the eight powers and the nine treasures, Mother Sita gave this power as her boon.
Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhataUs bar deen Janki mata
32. You are always nearby, when Rama's deeds are being told, And you will remain Rama's servant always.
Ram rasayan tumhare pasaSada raho Raghupati ke dasa
33. Those who sing your praises find Lord Rama, And forget countless lifetimes of sorrow.
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavaiJanma janma ke dukh bisravai
34. When they die, they go to Lord Rama's city, Where it is said all Rama's devotees are born.
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayeeJahan janma Hari-Bakht Kahayee
35. Pay no attention to any of the other deities. Serving Hanuman brings about all happiness.
Aur Devata Chit na dharehiHanumanth se yi sarve sukh karehi
36. Ceaselessly remembering heroic Hanuman cuts short all difficulties, and destroys all afflictions.
Sankat kate mite sab peeraJo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera
37. Hail, Hail, Hanuman, master of the senses! Have pity on me, you are my spiritual master (guru).
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman GosayinKripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyayin
38. Whoever recites this hymn 100 timesIs released from bondage, and gains great happiness.
Jo sat bar path kar koyiChutehi bandhi maha sukh hoyi
39. Whoever recites these 40 verses to HanumanGains perfection, Shiva is the witness to this.
Jo yah padhe Hanuman ChalisaHoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa
40. Tulsidas is ever God's faithful servant, O Lord, dwell in my heart. (Closing Invocation:)
Tulasidas sada hari cheraKeejai Hrudaye mein dera
Son of the Wind(Lord Vayu), Remover of Difficulties, whose form is auspicious, Dwell in my heart, King of the Gods, along with Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.
Doha Pavantanay sankat haran, Mangal murti roop. Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, Hrudaya basahu sur bhoop.

*****
Thanks to Shri.Amitabh Bachchan, mentioned "The Hanuman Chalisa" in his blog for his cure, who made me to search for the above and post it.

Reciting "The Hanuman Chalisa" helps in gaining good health and consciousness.

Stress-relief, the Vedic Way

2008-11-12T08:52:00.000+05:30

Stress-relief, the Vedic Way
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Our breath plays a very important role in our life. The breath is the connecting link between the inner world of the mind and the outer world of the body and environment. Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing process, using three different cycles of breath. The breath sorts out the imbalances in the mind and the body.
Your emotions as well as your thoughts move in a particular rhythm. All these rhythms arise from your Being, which has its own rhythm. In Sudarshan Kriya, we get into the rhythm of our Being and see how Being is permeating our emotions, our thoughts, our breath, and our bodies. Every cell of the body becomes so alive and releases all the toxins and negative emotions it has stored from times past. Once again, we will be able to smile from our hearts.
By teaching people how to unlock the secrets of life through breath, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has created an ever-expanding family of happy individuals, who are inspired by his message of compassion, commitment to society and a universal understanding of life.
Through simple breathing techniques and practical stress-elimination programmes, Sri Sri has touched the lives of over 45 million people, cutting across all barriers of caste, creed, race, nationality and religion. Through the regeneration of human values, he is promoting global peace and development by inspiring individuals towards self-awareness, joyful living and selfless service.
Born in 1956 in Papanasam, India, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar studied under many renowned spiritual masters and became a scholar of Vedic literature. In 1982, Sri Sri founded the Art of Living Foundation, which is now one of the world’s largest volunteer NGOs, active in 146 countries.
Sri Sri travels to more than 35 countries every year, to reinforce the message that all religions and spiritual traditions share common goals and values. In his presence, one experiences a profound silence that is beyond words. People have found peace of mind, vibrant health and a deep understanding of their own nature. His followers include the crème de la crème of high society as well as the poorest of the poor. In spite of his hectic schedule, he meets everyone untiringly listening, guiding and blessing. He brings a child-like innocence to wisdom and effortlessness in activity. Sri Sri is known as much for his profound wisdom as his zeal for service.
Here are excerpts from an exclusive interview:
How can one become more loving and compassionate, in spite of antagonistic behaviour from others? It is a general attitude that one has to inculcate in life. You cannot try to be compassionate at a particular moment, if you don’t practise it in your life throughout. You cannot learn archery in the war-field.
It is easy to say “control your anger, forgive the mistakes of others, etc.” But how can one handle a subordinate or an acquaintance, who does not perform satisfactorily? When someone doesn’t perform, you need to take action. Anger is not bad; it is part of life. There is nothing wrong in showing anger or being upset in life. Only thing is, it should not linger for too long. You cannot be “goody goody” all the time. It is not practical; you have to be stern, when you need to be stern.
Can dispassion and success co-exist in one’s life? Definitely. In fact, it is dispassion that brings more success. In a state of dispassion, you can enjoy success. Excitement and feverishness kill the joy of success.
What to do when one faces failures, despite putting in 100 percent efforts? Every failure is a step towards success. See that your failure is not due to lack of initiatives. If it is so, then improve your style of functioning and be steadfast in pursuing your goal.
Is money not important? How can one balance material pursuits and spiritual discipline? Money is important. But money is not everything in life. You should have a balance between values and wealth.
How can we console someone, when he or she loses his or her near and dear one, by fate of death? Silence consoles a person more than words. Just blabbering and showing sympathy do not really console anybody. A quiet and compassionate mind has its own vibration that brings solace to the bereaved.
Many mystics talk about out-of -body experiences, astral travel, etc. Are these true? Certainly. The manifest world as we know is only a tip of the iceberg. The vast subtle world has many secrets to offer.
What spiritual inputs are necessary to create a universal platform for solving global problems, such as nuclear disarmament? Spiritual awareness can bring understanding between people and nations. It breeds mutual trust and co-operation, which are absolutely essential for disarmament. Spirituality allows people to think with a calm mind.
What is the secret behind the immense popularity of Sudarshan Kriya? Its effectiveness and usefulness have made it very popular. It is a simple, but powerful breathing technique, taught exclusively through the Art of Living courses designed by me. It was revealed to me during a period of silence in 1982.
It is a rhythmic breathing practice that harmonizes the rhythms of the body and emotions, and brings them in tune with the rhythms of nature.
The subtle and specific rhythm of Sudarshan Kriya, floods every cell of the body with oxygen and prana and eliminates physical and emotional toxins at the cellular level.
Sudarshan means “right vision” and kriya means “purifying action”. This Eastern approach to emotional purification is different from the approach of Western psychology. Generally psychologists are able to help us to identify our emotions, but fail to get us to the very core of our nature.
Sudarshan Kriya takes us beyond our thoughts and emotions, and allows us to totally experience our feelings. One does not experience an emotional “seminar high.” Instead, there is a feeling of being more even and natural, centered in one´s Self. Practitioners report that they feel renewed physically, emotionally and elevated spiritually.
Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing process, using three different cycles of breath. The breath and mind are linked, just like the body and the mind. The breath sorts out the imbalances in the mind and the body. The breath holds the secret of life that we have forgotten.
Sudharshan Kriya Research conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) of India, (the premiere institute for the study of neuroscience and mental health in India), has documented the Art of Living programme’s efficacy as a stress-management tool. Levels of Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” decreased significantly in people who practised the Sudarshan Kriya technique, within 21 days. Stress is known to be a major contributing factor to violence. It is also known to diminish an individual’s ability to execute non-violent conflict-resolution strategies.
The findings of study conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi suggest that regular practice of the Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayama invokes positive emotions, replacing anger, frustration and jealousy.
EEG, blood cortisol and blood lactate levels reflect a state of relaxation, of course with necessary alertness. Increase in killer cells and anti-oxidant enzymes suggest that regular practice may prevent many diseases, including infectious ones and possibly even Cancer. Fall in Cholesterol level may prevent cardiac diseases. Positive results have been noticed in 70 per cent of cases of depression.
The Sudarshan Kriya benefits every individual in an unique way. Its benefits are infinite and deepen over time, with regular practice. Below are some benefits that have been commonly experienced from various perspectives:
Physical Level: Increased lung capacity; reduced levels of stress (reduces the stress hormone Cortisol); improved anti-oxidant defence; greater energy and sense of well being; many report relief from common ailments such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes and insomnia.
Spiritual Level: Broader vision of life; clearer vision of one’s true nature; blossoming of positivity through an experience of love; deeper sense of belongingness, enthusiasm and joy.
What is the “Art of Living”? The Art of Living Foundation is dedicated to creating peace from the level of an individual and fostering human values within the global community. It is working to bring about a transformation that will free every individual from stress and other negative emotions, and help experience the true pleasure of joy. This can be achieved just by attending to our breathing pattern for a few minutes everyday. What keeps us from experiencing a relaxed state of mind is stress. The various courses taught by “Art of Living” release the stress of modern life effortlessly.
The introductory Art of Living course combines ancient breathing and relaxation techniques with knowledge and skills to handle the mind, emotions, relationships and life in general. The 18-20 hour workshop is open to everyone, who is above 21 years of age. Spread over six days, the course is regularly conducted in 146 countries. Also the International Centre of the Art of Living on Kanakapura Road, near Bangalore offers the course on a three-day residential format.
There are courses for kids, teenagers and specialized programmes for the corporate sector, where busy executives can learn very powerful tools to de-stress themselves. The foundation also conduct rehabilitation programmes in prisons across the globe.
The foundation is basically a service organisation run by volunteers and it is currently engaged in providing material and trauma relief to the victims of recent earthquake in Kashmir and Pakistan. It continues to provide trauma relief camps in the tsunami��"affected areas in India and Sri Lanka. It conducted major relief operations in the aftermath of earthquakes in Gujarat and Bam; floods in Mumbai and Indonesia; Orissa cyclone and 9/11 World Trade Centre attack. Its trauma relief initiative in war-torn Iraq is just one example of its unceasing commitment to service.
The Art of Living Foundation is channelling the same spirituality as a strong catalyst for making a difference to the world through service. Its social intervention initiative is called 5H Program. 5H stands for Home, Hygiene, Health, Harmony in Diversity, and Human Values.
What is enlightenment? Seekers on the spiritual path are very curious about enlightenment. Enlightenment is like a joke! It is like a fish in the ocean, searching for the ocean. Enlightenment is the very core of our being, going to the core of our Self and living our life from there.
We all came into this world gifted with innocence; but gradually as we became more intelligent, we lost our innocence. We were born with silence and as we grew up, we lost the silence and were filled with words. We lived in our hearts and as time passed, we moved into our heads. The reversal of this journey is enlightenment. It is the journey from the head back to the heart, from words back to silence, getting back to our innocence in spite of our intelligence. Although it seems very simple, this is a great achievement.
Enlightenment is that state of Being, mature and unshakeable under any circumstance. Come what may, nothing can rob the smile from our heart. Going beyond the limited boundaries, and feeling “all that exists in this universe belongs to me,” is enlightenment.
What is your message to the blog readers? Attend to your breathing pattern; develop clarity of mind and focus on the present. Control your negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, fear and jealousy. Pave way for a peaceful atmosphere in the New Year!

Phallic Worship of Shiva

2008-11-12T08:43:00.000+05:30

Here is a note on Phallic Worship of Siva.

Sages ask Suta to narrat the story behind the worship of phallic formof Shiva to which Sage Sutasays that once upon a time in the forestof daruka, sages were all devotees of lord Shiva and worshipping himdaily. to test their devotion, lord Shiva comes in the form of anaked person (avadhoota) with ashes smeared all over is body,standing there and holding his penis. the wives of the sages wereextremely frightened at this sight while other women excited,surprised and approached lord Shiva. some embraced him, others heldhis hands and the women were engrossed in struggling with oneanother. meanwhile the great sages came there and seeing lord Shivaengaged in perverse activities, they were pained and infuriated.deluded by siva maya and plunged in grief, the sages asked the nakedperson who he is but Shiva does not reply. then the sages curseShiva that his penis fall on the ground since he is actingpervertedly in violation of the vedic path.due to the curse of the sages, the penis of that avadhoota fell downand burnt everything and wherever it went, it began to burneverything there. the penis went all over the earth, patala andheaven and never remained steady anywhere and kept on going places.unable to comprehend Shiva maya, the sages and gods approached lordbrahma to find a solution to stop the penis from burning everythingeverywhere. then lord brahma says that if a guest comes to theashram of sages, he must be treated with respect even if he isavadhoota. since this avadhoota instead of getting respect gotcursed, the penis would not become stationary which bodes bad for allthe three worlds. to make the penis stationary and steady, lordbrahma advises the gods and sages to propitiate goddess parvati andpray her to assume the form of vagina so that it holds the penis.lord brahma also states that a pot shall be placed over it and waterfrom holy centres shall be poured into the pot along with the sproutsof durva and barley invoked with vedic mantras. the penis held inthe vagina thus shall be drenched in water with sata rudriyamantras. parvati in the form of vaginal passage and an auspiciousarrow shall form as the pedestal wherein the phallus shall beinstalled with vedic mantras. the Shivalinga then shall bepropitiated with the offerings of sandal paste, fragrant flowers,incense and other things as well as by food offerings and other formsof worship. with prostrations, holy hymns, bhajans and songs heshall be propitiated further with svastyayana mantras etc.thus pleased, lord Shiva tells the gods and sages that if the penisis supported in the vaginal passage, it will immediately become quietand no woman other than parvati can hold his penis. then goddessparvati assumes the vagina form and holds the phallus and isworshipped by brahma, Vishnu, other gods and sages and the three worlds stayed in peace and happiness.

*********
This is as is re-produced, so dont get offended. God is always in everyone's heart!

Astrology Today

2008-11-06T15:54:00.000+05:30

Astrology today has become a matter of curiosity than some intelligent science to look at future to cushion the effects!

People are very confident about their future in this untamed world!

They seem to know very surely, about their Horoscopes...

See the Indian stock market!

Who could have predicted other than Astrologers in January 2008?

Me and some of my friends interested in this science, knew what is going to come, and advised near and dear and ensured the big fall is cushioned.

Only Mutual funds SIPs were advised to continue!

Well, is it the time to invest? Wait till December!

Obama's Victory and Analysis

2008-11-06T11:50:00.000+05:30

I had clearly shown the path for him during the nomination process.

Few friends of his (David, Ann) had contacted me

Obama's Victory and Analysis.. here... President OBAMA, Astrological Analysis

I am invited to the USA for the swearing in ceremony! Thanks to all.

Also the blog has crossed, 6000 hits, with 1000 coming in less than a months time!

I dont give free predictions to folks. Please note this. Nor do I teach Astrology. Read the blog and learn yourself!

Mars Dosha

2008-10-25T10:42:00.000+05:30

Mars Dosha

The following is collected from Kavi Kalidasa’s “Jathaka Chandrika”, published by Tanjore Maharaja Sarabhoji’s Saraswathi Mahal Publishing House, Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, India :: translated by ‘Thethiyur’ S Krishnamurthi Satrigal.

“Dane Vyaye ChaPaschane Jamithre Cha Ashtame Kuje |

Sthreenam Bharthru Vinasa: syabdharthruunam Dharanasanam || 26||

Lagnendu SukrathDussthane Yadhyasthi Shithisambhava: |

ThathdasaPaakasamay e Dhoshamahurmaneeshi na : || 27||

“दाने व्यय चापस्चाने जमिथ्रे च अष्टमे कुजे |

स्थ्रीनाम भार्थ्रू विनास: स्यब्धार्थ्रूनाम धरनासनाम || २६||

लग्नेंदु सुक्रथ्दुस्स्थाने याध्यस्थी शिथिसम्भावा: |

थाथ्दासपाकसमय ऐ धोशामाहुर्मनीशी न : || २७||

When discussing on marriage compatibility of a pair of Horoscopes, the author discusses the Mars ‘effect’ in the Birth Charts of the boy and girl.

In a person’s horoscope, 2,12,4,7, and 8, in these five places, if Mars is deposited in the Birth chart, It is considered as ‘Dosha’. (Even if Mars is posited in Lagna, it is also considered as Dosha). As explained above, if Mars is found in one of those places, he may lose his life partner at a known time. If similar position of Mars is traced in a Sthree Horoscope, she have to bare the loss of husband. The period of that loss will be, if the Planet Mars is positioned in 2,4,7,8,12 in either of the horoscopes, the other will meet the sad end during the Maha Desa of Mars in ether of the horoscopes, or in its Bukthi, in any other Desa period.

Dapathyo Janma Kale Vyayadhanahibukke saptahame lagnarnthare

Lagnachchandrascha Sukradhibhi Bhavathi Yadi Bhuumiputhre Dwayorvai

Thathsamye (syam) PuthramithraPrachr Ddhanapathee Dhampathi Deerkakala

Dweko Deenstha Dhanye Bhavati Mruthirithi Prahurathraathrimuk kyaa:

दपथ्यो जन्मा काले व्ययाधानाहिबुक्के सप्ताहमे लग्नार्न्थारे

लग्नाच्चान्द्रस्चा सुक्रधिभी भवती यदि भूमिपुथ्रे द्वायोर्वाई

थाथ्सम्ये (स्याम) पुथ्रामिथ्राप्रच्र द्धानापथी धम्पथी दीर्काकला

द्वेको दीन्स्था धन्ये भवति म्रुथिरिथि प्रहुराथ्राथ्रिमुक क्या:

The chart prepared at the time of birth of respective members of the couple, if Mars deposited in 12,2, 4,7, 1, 8 in BOTH of the horoscopes (since the Dhosha is balanced) such pair of married couple will enjoy with children wealth and prosperity for a very long time and life to both of them.

There are positions to ‘nullify’ the Dosha, to be found in the individual horoscopes though Mars is positioned as above!

GOD's Whispers: I AM YOU (This is my 100th Post)

2008-10-19T21:51:00.000+05:30

I am you

I am the gentle loving whisper, softly speaking words and sounds of comfort to you when you believe that harshness, pain and darkness defines who you are, and you wrap yourself in a blanket of suffering. I am the light which flickers, dances and moves around you, drawing your focus away from the gloom, away from the web of illusion you caught yourself in… finding yourself now laughing in joy as you watch the dance of light, and I remind you who you are.

When tears fill your eyes, I am the comforter who embraces you and gently fill you with my warmth. When you doubt, worry, or fear, and your steps are shaky, unsure of where to step next, I am the voice of intuition which guides you, encouraging you to place one foot in front of the other. I am the trust who moves you through doubt. I am found in your laughter. I am the well of compassion which overflows and spreads through out your world, as you reach out from your heart to the life of another.

When the illusion of judgment is gently put aside by you, it is my breath which blows away the clouds of mist in the heart, in the life of another - are you also found. I am the wonder and awe you feel as you watch the beauty of nature unfold, ever changing … just as you are beautiful and ever changing! I am found in your trust, in your faith, in your kindness, gentleness and passion. When you embrace yourself and others - I am there! When you see through a fear which has bound you in chains for eons - there I am, dancing a dance of pure joy and celebration!

When you lift your heart, your voice, your life, in communication to the Creator… I am there. When you are so afraid, yet still reach out for clarity and truth - I am the one holding you and whispering words of encouragement. When you hear the wind, you hear me speak to you. When you hear the birds, you hear the song I sing to you. When you are frightened and wonder how you can heal the wounds of many, and yourself - I am the lantern which shows you the way.

Sit in a room, so dark. Light a candle, made small by the vastness of the darkness… or so it seems. Watch how the light of one small candle dispels the darkness and allows what has been hidden by the cloak of darkness to now be seen. Magnify that light a million times, and then again … and yet again, until you magnify it seven times.

There in the brightness of that radiance of all there is… I am! I am your soul of love and light. I AM YOU.

Hope this lights up your festive spirits.

The Confusions of Hindus and Root Cause

2008-10-16T07:37:00.000+05:30

Hindus over the last 150 yrs have forgotten the difference between advaita and vaishnavite dvaita philosophies. And, Since now-a-days lot of people, don't read originals but read the reviews of shastras and puranas, are reading the review texts written by confused scholars, who doesn't care for the difference between advaita and Vaishnavite Dvaita.

The effect is that the points in the texts seem to be self contradicting, mythical and unscientific. At times, people even claim hinduism accepts everything. It is far from Truth. How can Dharma accept 'all', which Includes blatant Adharma ? It is only 'The Hindus' who (offlate) are accepting everything.

Educated, Upper/Middle class hindus must learn the difference between the Original Advaita and several vaishnavite dvaita schools and review the hindu thought process. They are sure to be surprised. MK Gandhi was a sectarian fanatic of his Suddha-Dvaita school, and misused the pro-independence political crowd to preach his religion (aka sect) without spelling it out, which led to this confusion. His SuddhaDvaita school doesn't believe in rebirth, karma yoga and one same god being in all moving and non-moving(char-achar) beings.

This is something that relates to every facet of life and so every issue of our times.

SuddhaDvaita school doesn't believe in Rebirth, Karma Yoga and One Same God being in all moving and non-moving(char-achar) beings.

Thus every Real Concept of Sanathana Dharma has been accordingly Tampered, Confused and Ridiculed in the minds of hindus by this 450yrs old religion of India called Suddha-Dvaita Vaishnavism.

MK Gandhi ridiculed us saying
When you believe in rebirth - Why don't you die for the thirst of muslim killers carving for 'their' heaven ? Anyway, You believe in taking several more births ?!

His SuddhaDvaita didn't believe in Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga. It outright declared, We humans are incapable of achieving them in kaliyuga. So, He preached just plead to the enemy or pray to god - But do nothing. Thus, His masochistic socalled satyagraha of fasting, taking baton blows, show the other cheek, etc.
For Suddha-Dvaiti vaishnavites, Death of This life is Moksha. And only prescribed work for life is bhakti and bhajan keerthan - eagerly waiting for death.

He said when you believe in one god in all, Why do you pain/kill the God in the Others ? This is a ridicule of Sanathana Dharma Advaita philosophy. Becoz, in Bhagavad-Gita, SriKrishna said to Arjuna, It is prakriti/body which is the cause of pain and purusha/atma is not the cause - like dust creating itch or acid causing burns or sandal causing coolness to our skins. So, As you clean dust on your body, Clean the world off pain-causing evil people. So that, in the process, their atma is rescued from the itch caused by their body, which is the cause of their evil-behaviour with others. Thus is our age old no first attack principle. Otherwise, Our body shall be considered the real cause of pain.

SuddhaDvaita believes that Moksha means, atma going to paramatma's abode and just sitting beside. and so, atma and paramatma don't merge.

Advaita said it is the same atma living in all bodies. It did not say, All bodies are same. MK Gandhi shamelessly & moronically ridiculed the majority, Advaiti Hindus, asking to spare the real pain causing other body, in the name of not paining the god in the other's body. (while advaita philosophy is that atma cannot be pained, as it cannot be torn by a weapon or burnt or made wet or dried with air.)

More over, SriKrishna said, If at all one can realise GOD/atma in the body, It would be firstly possible to feel/know about the one in their own body. The atma in other bodies can then just be a realisation by inference. So, Arjuna! First ensure the interests of atma/god/dharma in your body, whose existence you are sure about.

So, It is not just about himsa or ahimsa. It is about Sanathana Dharma or Duty for sustainability of the creation and values in society. It is about proper paradigms about life for our future generations, since we are likely to take birth again in this very same world.

Understand the fraud of MK Gandhi - the sectarian fanatic of Suddha-Dvaita Vaishnavism, a Masochistic Religion, found just around 450 yrs back. He was such a fanatic of his religious sect, and preached secularism to all of us.

Any observer of history can understand that dvaita vaishnavite philosophies were founded around 700 AD and got popular by 1100 AD and the downfall of India/hindu kings started around 800 AD and they lost decisively by 1200 AD.

If we the followers of Sanathana Dharma, Ignore Advaita and the fallacies of Dvaita, and just follow Bhakti without believing in Karma Yoga or Jnana Yoga, It will just be a few decades, We will vanish, As we will ignore Jnana & Karma Yoga and so remain ignorant and unprepared to protect ourselves, leave alone practising our Dharmic Duties towards Moksh.

While Dvaita – Advaita difference makes a lot of difference in Inferences, Rebirth or Lack of It make a Lot Of Difference in our decisions and bringing responsibility in our behaviours towards society and life.

Yes! It takes a bit of time to understand the importance of this point, And its relevance to our lives. But I can assure you, It is worth investing that time, as early as possible in your life.

Astrology and Learning it

2008-10-03T11:00:00.000+05:30

Astro Knowledge is a gift. There are thousands of combination's, which a trained astrologer... this is where the computers come into play. For each and every step of combination, there is a basis. Some are pointed out by programs. If things are so easy why to have a person read it?

Astrologers have a duty of soothsaying. Not questioning things how and why it happens. Some might work for one, for others it may not.

I agree that Shri Krishnamurti used a mix of systems. There are people whom I knew were practitioners of KP System, stopped as they could not confirm any future events. They have reverted back to Vedic and doing OK.

When friends and family come to me, I used a mixed approach of Vedic, Astakavarga and KP and do feel that I get a divine guidance to pick certain cases to read. Lots of factors influence.

My grandfather was a great Vedic Astro Scholar. What he used to tell was, those who feign in learning astrology, would never learn the secrets. They will not understand and will confuse the others who are interested in it. Those who work in other name, or question with it, will never learn astrology.

I do have the quest, but I do talk to many astrologers and dont get many answers to the level I know.

But I will never question or ridicule the learning approach of others. I will just be a silent spectator and learn a thing or two. It is always better to understand the failures of certain steps and try to get the right ones!

When do you go to an Astrologer?

2008-09-26T08:34:00.000+05:30

When do you go to an astrologer?

Not when you are flying on a golden carpet. The person goes to Astrologer to find what is wrong for his troubles, sometimes without sufficient money to pay for his services. Now Astrologer finds lot of problems for him. Do you suggest that he will tell him what will happen, if he finds something 'terrible' to happen to him in next few months/years? What is the act of a doctor when he sees a very serious patient? Will he tell the relatives that the person will die in a day or two? Will not the doctor try to do his best or recommend the best for that person? Still do you stop going to doctors? You believe the doctor at the end of the road. You imagine that a doctor, who is a specialist will cost you more. Once nothing more could be done to the person in ailment, you rush to the 'best' and it is too late. Similarly, an Astrologer will not threaten you with dreaded results he could see in the horoscope. And, he suggests remedies or some sort of recommendation for you to gain confidence, that things will soften in course of time. Astrologer knows the truth. But he has to be careful not to destroy the little confidence you have on yourself.

How will the readings turn out o be?

Not all are bad. But if you pick 'bad' for your choice, none can help you, either. You can always get a crowd to blame anything in this world, still go to them for 'remedies'. They say what they learned. It is common in any profession. An advocate who knows that there is no 'strength' in the case, will still take it to fight in a court. He may lose the case, as he knows it well. He did not get 'justice' in court. You may not tell he had not done 'justice' to his profession.

So what is the final outcome?

Think of an Astrologer as a Soothsayer, telling the remote possibilities of good times. And if you can afford, pay for his time.

Note: See the survey I have put on this blog! About 5% wants to get free work done! I want to request those people to do some work for me free. If you are one of them, please email me!

How do you check for Progeny, Child?

2008-09-24T12:40:00.000+05:30

Most of the married people want children (except few). They are depressed, if no child born. Here are some of the planetary positions in a horoscope to indicate for them to be childless.

1. The Lord of Lagna (Ascendant) and Mercury occupy the 4 or 7th or 10th house.
2. Mars is placed in the Lagna , Saturn in the 8th house and the Sun in the 5th house;
3. When the 5th or 8th or 12th houses ( any one of them) occupied by malefic;
4. If Venus occupies the 7th house, The Moon in the 10th house and the malefic planets occupy the fourth house.
5. If the malefic in aspect by benefics , occupy the 8th house from the Moon.
6. If the 7th house occupied by Venus and Mercury, 4th house by Malefic and Jupiter in the 5th house.
7. The Moon occupies the fifth house and malefic occupy the Lagna , the Seventh, and the 12th house (he will neither have wife nor children) - in all the given places.While at this, some of you had asked me to give the planetary positions -combinations - preventing birth of male child , which I add below:
8. Rahu in the 5th house, either in the sign owned by Mars ( Aries or Scorpio) or in aspect by Mars (Rahu in 4th, 7th and 8th house from the position of Mars).
9. Saturn in the 5th house from Lagna and in aspect from the Moon (7th house from Moon) and the lord of 5th house is associated with Rahu ( for example: Let us assume Cancer - Karkataka as Lagna; Saturn is in Scorpio - Vruchika - 5th house to Lagna,, AND The Moon is in Taurus - Rishab - where, the Moon is exalted - and the lord of Scorpio - Mars, is with Rahu in any house in the Horoscope - this result is seen)
10. Jupiter in combination with Rahu or Ketu, Lord of 5th house is weak and or powerless, and the lord of Lagna is combined with Mars ( Example : Let us assume Scorpio- Vruchika, is the Lagna - Lord of 5th house , Pieces - Meena, Jupiter is in Mithuna with Rahu/Kethu- Gemini, the 8th house (weak house to Scorpio) from Scorpio, and is combined with Mars the lord of Lagna - Scorpio - is positioned with Jupiter in Mithuna, this result is seen)
11. Jupiter in association with Mars, Rahu occupies the Lagna and the lord of 5th is placed in th sixth or 8th or 12th house .
12 Lords of Lagna and fifth house, are powerless/weak, and all malefic planets occupy the 5th house, with Jupiter and Mercury.
13. The Lord of Lagna is associated with Rahu and the Lord of 5th house is combined with Mars, and ‘Puthrakaraka’ Jupiter is in aspect from Rahu/Kethu.There are many more combinations which could indicate preventing birth of male child.

Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas

2008-09-18T12:18:00.000+05:30

Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas

These YogaNithraAvasyas give results in any Dasa. We cannot say that only in this or that particular Dasa a Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasya will give result. This is the opinion of acharyas like Varaha Mihira. Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas are not related to any particular planet. Dasa and Gochara are related to planets that serve as the significator of something. Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas are not related to any particular planet and that is why based on Dasa or Gochara we cannot locate the period in which these YogaNithraAvasyas will become fruitful. Because of this fundamental flaw it is not right to give Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas more importance than it deserves.

Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas are classified into four - Vijayabalas. They are-
1) Akrithi YogaNithraAvasyas (Told by: Kausika hora, Gargi hora, Brihat prajapathyam)
2) Sankhya YogaNithraAvasyas (Told by: Brihat prajapathyam)
3) Asraya YogaNithraAvasyas (Told by: Sathyacharya)
4) Dela YogaNithraAvasyas (Told by: Parasara)
All these YogaNithraAvasyas are related to the thought 'what special prediction should be given if the planets are in 1 sign, 2 signs, 3 signs etc'.
If these signs happen to be kendra, trikona, panapara, apoklima, chara, sthira, ubhaya some thought that special importance should be given. Even though first indicated by Rishi horas, the Yavanacharyas are the one who gave this system this much propaganda. By permutation combination they have increased the number of Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas to 1800. You can even sub divide and get 1800 * 12 = 21,600 variations based on uniqueness of each planet.

1) Akrithi YogaNithraAvasyas

Gada, Sakata, Vihaga (Antaja), Sringataka, Hala, Vajra, Yava, Abja (Kamala), Vapi, Uoopa, Ishu, Sakthi, Denda, Nou, Koota, Cathra, Chapa, Samudra, Chathra etc. All these YogaNithraAvasyas are produced as a result of Bhava-Planet combination.

2) Sankhya YogaNithraAvasyas

Vallaki, Dama, Pasa, Kedara, Soola, Yuga, Gola. These are produced as a result of Sign-Planet combination.

3) Asraya YogaNithraAvasyas

Ranju, Musala, Nala. These are produced as a result of Sign-Planet combination.

4) Dela YogaNithraAvasyas
------------ -
Srek, Sarpa. These are produced as a result of Bhava-Planet combination.

These YogaNithraAvasyas and the hundreds of other YogaNithraAvasyas the names of which are not mentioned, all comes under the simple and fundamental rules of Bhava-Planet combination and Sign-Planet combination. Every learned astrologer know that almost the whole astrology (or all the YogaNithraAvasyas mentioned in astrology) comes under the classifications and results generated by:
1) Sign
2) Bhava
3) Planet
4) Sign-Planet combination
5) Bhava-Planet combination
6) Sign-Bhava combination
7) Sign-Bhava-Planet combination

If you systematically study these classifications and the results generated by them, then the whole astrology is almost over! Look at this sloka of Vashishtahora-

Stanato bhavathaH khetaiH stanabhavanabhascha rai
Stanabhava samaYogaNithraAvasyat bhavakhechara YogaNithraAvasyathaH
YogaNithraAvasyasyu shadvidha sthanakhecharabhyam to sapthadhaH
stanabhavagrehaipro ktha YogaNithraAvasya ye YogaNithraAvasyahethava

स्तानातो भवथः खेतैह स्तानाभावानाभास्चा राइ
स्तानाभावा समयोगानिथ्रावास्यत भवखेचारा योगनिथ्रावास्यथाह
योगनिथ्रावास्यस्यु षड्विधा स्थानाखेचाराभ्यम तो सप्थाधः
स्तानाभावाग्रेहैप्रो कथा योगनिथ्रावास्य ये योगनिथ्रावास्यहेथावा

Meaning, 'the combinations can be classified into 7. They are 1) Sign 2) Bhava 3) Planet 4) Sign-Planet 5) Bhava-Planet 6) Sign-Bhava and 7) Sign-Bhava-Planet' .

Why this 7-fold classification is important? He explains as follows.

1) Sign
All the results I predict based on the classification and qualities of signs such as Chara, Agneya, Gramya etc comes under this.
2) Bhava
If the lord of the 6th house is in 7th, I predict something. All such results come under this.
3) Planet
If Sun-Moon, guru-Satern etc are together I predict something. All such 2 planet, 3 planet etc combinations and the corresponding results comes under this.
4) Sign-Planet
If Sun is in Aris I predict something. All such 'Asraya rasi phala' comes under this.
5) Bhava-Planet
If Jupiter is in 5th house I predict something. All such 'bhava phala' comes under this.
6) Bhava-Planet
If Ge comes as the 3rd house I predict something. All such results come under this.
7) Sign-Bhava-Planet
If mercury is in 7th house that happens to be Ge then I predict something. All such results come under this.

Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas do not give importance to this fundamental principle (theoretical foundation) and the Dasa-Gochara constraints। This is deviation from the fundamentals! When all the YogaNithraAvasyas that are considered as Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas and all other YogaNithraAvasyas falls within the above said seven-fold classification, why this separate naming as 'Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas'? It is a system created based on a bit of theory (without considering the total picture) and that is why impossible/improbab le YogaNithraAvasyas like Vajra that speaks about the position of Mercury in the 4th

house from sun comes under the category of Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas. Many acharyas tells us that as these Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas comes under the classification Sign-planet/ Bhava-Planet combinations, it is not important that we should learn them separately. So I will ask you not to give importance to Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas in natal charts or divisional charts and go back to the ancient, fundamental, and theoretically perfect system of seven-fold classification! !
Predictions related to all Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas are actually the ones that come within the above said 7-fold classification and thus for sure related to Dasa and Gochara। Therefore Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasya is a sure deviation from the fundamentals. Yavanacharya and the like have increased the number of Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas to 1800 by just applying the permutation combination principles. If one is trying to predict all results (related to Sign-Planet and Bhava-planet combinations) based on the Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas then what is the use of whole astrology?

Do Not apply Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas in divisional and natal charts!!

Why Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas are 1800 in number?

Akrithi YogaNithraAvasyas = 23 nos.
Sankhya YogaNithraAvasyas = 127 nos. (permutation combination of basic 7 sankhya YogaNithraAvasyas)
Total = 127 + 23 = 150 YogaNithraAvasyas.
The signs are 12 in number. If we consider the possible combination of various signs as well, then,
Total number of Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas = 150 x 12 = 1800 nos.
Dont forget about the influential planets, and its own combinations.

This also means that there are actually only 2 types of Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas.
That is,
1) Akrithi YogaNithraAvasyas (Bhava-Planet combination)
2) Sankya YogaNithraAvasyas (Sign-Planet combination)

This makes clear why 'Saravali' states that 'the Yavanacharya has increased the number of Nabhasa YogaNithraAvasyas to 1800 just by applying permutation combination methods'.

Was Astrology Invented By The Greeks?

2008-09-16T20:40:00.001+05:30

Was Astrology Invented By The Greeks?

Edmond H. Wollmann

Kepler College: Astrology in Ancient Civilizations

Demetra George advising

First term, August 10, 2000

The word Astrology, means star (aster) discourse or theory (logos). Traditionally, this "star-discourse" or theory is based on the idea that there is an effect or influence from stars or celestial bodies, which can be studied systematically. Thus, astro-logic, would be the workings of this system of influence of celestial bodies on human affairs. In this most strict sense, the aspect of astrology in terms of its specific definition of system, would favor the Greek rendering of astrology as an invention as a "star-theory" or a logical derivation based on the Greek perspective of cause and effect; something outside of us that works with or without our input. In the broader sense with the recognition of the synchronistic corroboration between humans with their earthly affairs and celestial bodies as an omen star discourse, the "invention" clearly belongs to Mesopotamian culture. Astrology as the west has come to define it is a blending of two cultural perspectives that originate in Greek thought and Oriental thought. Therefore, the question is not which peoples invented astrology, but to what extent of the body of knowledge now considered astrological, were the inventive contributions of each civilization and their perspectives, techniques, and observations.

Individualist and Collectivist( 1)

Collectivist

People are born into extended families or clans who protect them in exchange for loyalty.

Identity is based in the social system and given by one's group.

People are encouraged to adjust and restrain the self in order to be a better "fit" with the social group.

People are socialized to be emotionally dependent on organizations and institutions.

Emphasis is on belonging to organizations, and membership is the ideal. Expertise, order, duty, and security are provided by the larger social system.

Trust is placed in group decisions.

*Trust is placed in the whole as a critical element and force in organizing the parts.

Individualist

Everybody is supposed to take care of himself/herself and his/her immediate family. Identity is based in the individual and achieved by one's own striving.

People are encouraged to express and validate the inner attributes of the self.

People are socialized to be emotionally independent of organizations and institutions.

Emphasis is on individual initiative and achievement, and leadership is the ideal.

Autonomy, variety, pleasure, and individual financial security are sought within the larger social system.

Trust is placed in individual decisions.

* Trust is placed in the parts as a critical element and force in organizing the whole.

In "Babylonian Astrology: Its Origin and Legacy in Europe" (Campion, extracted from Astronomies Across Cultures) are cited several sources that delineate the history of the subject. All of them assume different origin points based on technical applications, increase in popularity, or the state of the body of knowledge at the time in which the definition fits. But the origin of the Astral Religion or re-ligio (to relink to spiritual source) of man to his celestial environment was clearly established at least 4000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. As with most societies subscribing to the Anima Mundi (soul of the world), spirit was immaterial but inseparable from matter, and gave to matter its form and movements; inanimate objects were considered to contain spirit or soul. This trust in the environs as indicative of the collective or personal state is what allowed the Mesopotamians to recognize celestial bodies as potential omens (Latin for signs) (Cumont, 1912, Barton, 1994). From this perspective, astrology was invented in many cultures (including the native American tribes) with this trust in the environmental omen divination, a product of the strongly held beliefs of these early cultures. The environment, whether celestial or earthly, was the vessel by which the Gods communicated their desires, intentions, and instructions to the civilizations on earth. This was a natural psychological recognition, e.g., that humans were one with the system in which they moved; that they were the environment it appeared they existed within, the both celestial and earthly environs were one system. This was an instinctive knowingness that was not yet unlearned by these early cultures, and not yet encoded and programmed by modern societal demands that are instilled by technological "shoulds." This perspective is now regarded as purely superstitious, and has evolved via a constricted discounting of that knowingness of connection. Societies are now having to confront the devastating results in our eco-systems of such a separative negative view of our place in the natural world. Specifically, divination using celestial phenomena appears to have been primarily the product of the early Mesopotamian cultures, a blend of observation (empiricism) , and trust of this connection to nature.

In "A History of Western Astrology" (Tester, 1987), the author broadens (or narrows, depending on how you view it) the definition of astrology thus:

Astrology is the interpretation and prognostication of events on earth, and of men's characters and dispositions, from the measurement and plotting of the movements and relative positions of the heavenly bodies, of the stars and planets, including among the latter the sun and moon.(2)

He goes on to state that because astrology "depends on the charting of the movements and positions of the planets, it could not arise until after the growth of mathematical astronomy." Tester argues that the real mathematical theoretical astronomy developed late in the 5th century B.C.E. and hence the real science of astrology was the achievement of the Greeks. How quickly we move from the recognition of astral connection and divination, to science and separation. This is because science seeks to reduce and separate as a mode of investigation rather than expand and integrate the "something" that drives the inquiry (parts organizing the whole), whereas the myth takes the opposite side of the dimension;

"The myth brings us into a level of consciousness that is spiritual . . . there is a condescension on the part of the infinite to the mind of man, and that is what looks like God."(3)

Employing modern psychological orientation and theoretic understanding of individualist societal perspectives, dispels the "logic" behind the arguments of the superiority of weighing critical thinking to this side of the consciousness dimension; revealing the psychological reason for many astrologers' need to make astrology a Greek science. First and foremost, is the elevation of the commonly accepted (and fallacious) definition of modern science as equaling "truth" in some way, rather than a construct to allow us to understand the phenomena we label reality. The secondary reason for embracing Greek philosophical approaches as more developed, is the personally utilitarian perspective of the Greeks that reinforces self-validation and reinforces ego. This approach allowed them to begin to transform astrology (and other paradigms) from a religious and political tool, to a personal tool of understanding by relating it to a personal reality experience that can be agreed upon to validate that personal experience.( 4) Hence, the subjective albeit realistic view that man is the measure(er) of all things. Like all Greek inventions, astrology took on a more specific or personal perspective that served the individual instead of the collective alone. Specificity and realism therefore become important factors unlike the Oriental collective perspective which trusts the whole to organize the parts, the Greeks sought to organize the whole through understanding and manipulation of the parts.

For example, in art, the Greeks developed the realism and perspective notion to a high degree. Artists in the post-modern era recognize however, art is a lie not unlike photography, in that the concept of perspective and what we see--although a personal reality experience-- is an illusion none-the-less. This personal view may be an accurate description of the reality of the experience of say, a vanishing point,(5) but not a description of the reality. Parallel lines never "really" converge. Never-the-less, the development of this realism of perspective by the Greeks, is hailed as an advance of clarity and leap in human consciousness. From a more fair and balanced view, it is more reflective of a psychological orientation rather than a qualitative factor to be assigned values of better or more true.

It is clear from historical records that oriental cultures relied on a more collective social psychology and perspective, whereas the western cultures emphasize the uniqueness of the individual experience. The Early Mesopotamian culture bridged the perspectives of both east and west and acted as an interface between them, which is far more spectacular of a developmental process and advance than was the Greek acceleration of the personal experience of identity.

The earliest culture of the Sumerians described their origin as lying in the East "where the sun rises" (Patterson, The Essentials of Ancient History, 1990) which implies a movement from the far east to the near east as a possible explanation of origin. Hence, this collective view and social psychological orientation we know as Oriental, was merged with the west in a climate that allowed spectacular celestial observation because of the desert climate and lack of heavy cloud (Patterson, The Essentials of Ancient History, 1990) and lead to the art of celestial divination. In essence, the Oriental view was a balancing prerequisite for a populace to first have a faith in stellar divinities, that they exerted an influence as the extension of the collective consciousness organizing power of the whole, and finally to determine and observe the nature of this influence (co-fluence) . This view is neither wholly eastern or western but a brilliant blending of the two. All aspects of this approach can be achieved without Greek geometry or reliance on the mathematical and theoretical astronomy of the Greeks as asserted by Jim Tester (1996). The Greek view allowed an individualistic service in refinement. But because of the power of science as the gateway to "truth" in post-modern society, critical thinking may be clouded by the need for social approval and validity by those otherwise insightful enough to see the obvious logic of the astrological premise. Thus, removing one's paradigm out of the collectivity' s perceived realm of the superstitious is believed to add power to the thrust of the argument for validity. But does it? Even the language we use in astrology is "an English translation, of a Latin translation, of a Greek translation of a Babylonian nomenclature. " (Cumont, 1912, page 27, Babylon and Greece). The power of the concept is evident in the survival of the nomenclature itself. Scientific constructs are the fruit of the Greek culture.

Let us examine some of the current requisites of scientific constructs, and it will be seen that the Babylonians and Greeks alike both contributed scientific elements to the body of astrological knowledge extant.

Current scientific approach commonly involves and incorporates;

1) Empirical verification.

2) Operational definition.

3) Controlled observation.

4) Statistical generalization and empirical confirmation.

Empirical verification can be as simple as observation of the lunar cycles which the Babylonians clearly excelled with as far as data compilation is concerned. The mean synodic, sidereal, anomalistic, and draconic lunar periods were laid down in cuneiform tablets by the Babylonians and are not far off from modern astronomical calculations (Cumont, 1912, page 36, Babylon and Greece). This is clearly empirical observational science on the part of the Babylonians, an important part of the scientific aspect of astrological knowledge. An operational definition is simply the values assigned to the variables we wish to measure in an experiment. Defining what we are measuring: The theory of effect that determines what our consciousness will focus on to observe or create an atmosphere to observe. This was also instituted by the Orientals by the postulate of astral bodies having an effect on the lives of men. That is the operational definition of astrology. Thus, this early, the scientific aspect of astrological foundation has already been established by two factors in Mesopotamia. Therefore, the Greeks were not the originators of science or astrology per se, but responsible for the distillation of an approach from a personal perspective separate from religious or beliefs in the omen filled environs as implicate causation. Controlled observation in astronomic topics is difficult and can be achieved for example, by measurements of a star's location, such as the "bent light effect" hypothesized by Einstein to demonstrate theories of gravitational effect on light particles. Because of the scarcity of -- and limitations with -- observational equipment in these periods, there was little ability for control, and a hit and miss theoretical approach would be a more accurate description of the observation/ hypothesis process. Additionally, the Mesopotamians were less concerned with the mechanics of how it worked and more concerned with the observation of patterns to allow them to predict; to understand the star discourse.

The Greeks were clearly more astute at geometries than the Babylonians and Chaldeans, but astrology and astronomy were, from our best evidence at this time, "invented" in Mesopotamia. But even the geometry is questionable. In "A History of Horoscopic Astrology", James Holden asserts that the Babylonians had already grouped the signs into Trigons or triplicities that were adopted by the Greeks. This is basic geometry. None of it (other than the observational aspects) would fit the clear definitions of astronomy. Astrology is more accurately a blending of astral religion and astronomic observation. There was no such thing as astronomy until the late 17th century when the connection to nature and the remnants of the collective psychology of the Orientals was completely severed from the study of celestial mechanics, and the completion of the re-separation of east and west cultures with the west embracing deus ex machina (deity separate from the machine) as its final theological perspective. Thus, astrology lost respectability because of western materialistic ego-centrism and complete removal of the archetypal or spiritual environmental omen aspect, resulting in a collective materialistic delusion of grandeur. The decline was not because of any intellectual deficiency inherent in the astrological premise. It was the effect of a defective philosophical perspective of the collective that brought this about and threatens ecological destruction of earthly resources at this time in which we live. This is partly why the Platonic view was more conducive to the astrological premise, because the initial "cause" was still from a non-physical source. The material focus brought us great technological accomplishment, at the cost of philosophic and spiritual advance. Now societal conflicts are increasing with reference to ethical and belief structure reformations in overcompensation to this unconscious collectively recognized imbalance.

The (begging the question) question "Was Astrology Invented by the Greeks" begs for precise operational definitions of astrology itself. As evidenced by the disagreement regarding the differing perspectives of astrological origin cited by Nicholas Campion in "Babylonian Astrology: Its Origin and Legacy in Europe" are themselves testimony of the difficulty in operationalizing a definition of astrology clearly. The reason for this is essentially the attempt to take a concept that arose from the recognized collective oneness of the universe that was blending with a more objective data collection methodology, and force it into only materialistic scientific parameters. Even Thomas Kuhn (1970) recognized the limits of this approach;

Normal science research is a strenuous and devoted attempt to force nature into the conceptual boxes supplied by the professional education. Anomalies are disregarded because they do not articulate the paradigm." Thomas Kuhn, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. "

The art/science of astrology can never be assigned as originating in either wholly east (collective) or west (individuation) social conceptual boxes, because astrology itself was born from the ingenious wedding of the two.

Delhi Blasts : Study of Astro - Mundane Affairs

2008-09-14T07:55:00.001+05:30

Delhi Blasts : Study of Astro - Mundane Affairs

Please refer to Indian Independence chart, which was posted by me in the earlier posts (00:00:00 hours 15 Aug 1947New Delhi. Indian independence chart currently is running Dasa of Venus / Ketu / Venus / Jupiter. Venus - Ketu Dasa covers the period o4 Jul 08 to 05 sep 09 (approx - so events can happen plus or minus 14 days). Within that, the present occurrence of blasts in Delhi between 1810 and 1827 hours on 13 of sep 08 would be under the sway of Ve / Ke / Ve / Ju. GOD is making me to write this post!

One would see that Venus is lord of the Lagna and the sixth. The blemish of being lord of lagna and lord of eight is all right but not being lord of lagan and the sixth. Being located in the third house and representing sixth house it would undoubtedly contribute to the growth of Lagna but also give it lots of trouble both being trishadaya houses. Being located in the angle from sixth house, Venus is more favourably disposed to the sixth than Lagna. Ketu is in the seventh house. So Ve / ke, to a large degree, would produce a Rajyoga being a combination of the ninth and 10th houses from the 10th.. However that was more true for Venus -Mars period earlier. Some shades of that would still manifest. Ven unfortunately suffers from being lord of 64th/108th Navamsa. Hence lots of mental worries during its period. The only way to be clear of mind is to donate all the hard earned money to soothsayers and sanyasis of all religions. India has 42% poor people, and with current trend of great politicians, it would grow to 75% by 2020. That is the vision!

The biggest problem with this period is that it is the ending portion of Ven dasa which has been termed as Chidra Dasa as per the ancestors. Fortunately Ket is under the star of Sat (9, 10 and 3 houses) and Venus is occupying the star of Mercury (which means that we will grow to great heights also, in calculations and computational fields) in third and lord of 2 and 5. So mitigating influences exist. That is clearly shown in the less numbers of visas being given and lots of people not able to join their families abroad. Now that this situation will mitigate that sense.

Well, the seventh house Ketu may provide India with some diplomatic successes, the period of Jup which is lord of the 8th house will be bad and be over by 15 of Sep. Jup is lord of the 22nd Drekkana,. It's in Prana Dasa under Venus and had to rock the heart of India in a minor way. It is under Prantayar Dasa of Ketu in the seventh. One should not have any doubt where the source of this blast are (Ket in seventh). A civilian ruler in neighboring countries has to bend down to intelligence and the Army to survive and history provides testimony that advent of civilian rule in neighbors have been very ominous for India ( Benzir and Nawaz periods are irrefutable examples and also of Mr Bhutto)

The Ahmadabad blasts had taken place on 26 Aug 08 under Ven / Ketu / Ven / Rahu period. That much for advocates of Rahu being good in lagna. Both the blast took place on Saturdays when the markets would be full of people. Blasts at both the places would take place after 1800 hours at about the Moon rise. On both the days Moon is nearing the full strength and is Paksha Bali. This might be a coincidence and common sense says that these terrorists want to create panic, so they come in autos and put bags of loaded stuff to blast in crowded malls and areas, where people gather int eh evenings. There are patterns emerging but our so called intelligence setups may pooh- pooh at such ideas. All those who are or have been experts at Terrorist Activities, fully know how much Astrology and Religious fundamentals (it could be that Orissa tragedy could have been averted easily), the terrorists use in executing major operations. Historically use of astrology by Muslim rulers and invaders (and Chinese as well) , including by Chengiz Khan, is well known and are legends. Fortunately we have very good neighbors, but our internal cancer of certain elements in Head and Belly is causing trouble. So we cannot cut of our Head and Belly, right? We need to learn to live with it!

The two eclipses last month, on 1st of Aug in Cancer and on 16 Aug 08 in Capricorn should have indicated to the well informed and astrologically conscious well to do and seniors in the government and administration that some thing ominous was in the offing. The two eclipses occurred along Cancer - Capricorn axis. These two Rasi's getting effected means North - South lines getting effected. Capricorn is the traditional Rasi of India taken by many astrologers. Due to that when ever Saturn transits Leo (eight from Cap) The popular Poet "Ghag" has said the the Delhi durbar starts shaking. I do not know about Durbar butmasses in Delhi did shook up today. The Saturn is in Leo and Ghag has proved his observation to be right. But I am sad at that as our well wishers in ruling circles have diverted the bad effects on masses.

He had also said;

Ek MAAHA DO GRAHANA HOI, RAJA MARE YA PARAJAA ROI

एक माह दो ग्रहण हो इ , रजा मरे या प्रजा रोई

Rajas in Delhi seems to have ensured themselves with Ketu but the Prajaa (people) are in despair in fear of death and crying. My Heart goes out to those who died and who got maimed for being Indians (not Hindus or Muslims, but Indians or for being in India)....I have no doubt astrologically, who has done it.... even in Gujarat, the real culprits are missing (even being ruled by the best and abled leader Shri Narendra Modi), their Indian assistants are nabbed and Police is patting themselves. They will award hundreds of Medals to themselves, without caring for themselves. This situation also shows that there would be more money in the hands of forces and government servants, clearly shown by 6th pay commission etc.

We need tougher laws to tackle situations like this, and bring in peace with all religions.

The two Eclipses along 3rd / 9th axis of India's Independence chart does point towards the role our neighbors are playing in the events as also the long distance neighbors like USA who are taking the country for a ride. In writing so I have no personal agenda but only writing what astrological realties are showing The third house is our immediate neighbor, that is China and Pakistan and 9th house are our very distant neighbors across many seas like Fiji and USA. Our foreign policy, our basic and fundamental policies, overseas neighbors, Overseas well wishers and friends, god fathers...etc. ... Both are Under eclipse and their effects for about six months. So when Obama takes over on January 20th, 2009 life goes on smooth!

Coming on to the Transits,

Look at Lagna rising at the time of blast today in Delhi, It is Aquarius, which is 10th from the India's Asendant and 2nd from Indian natural Rasi. It happens to be the Lagan of India's Tithis Parvesh Chart of the year. It will have a big dent on Present Ruling set up. The Thithi Paravesh Chart of India for the Year is not very well disposed having a conglomeration of four planets in the sixth house. Saturn - Mars are in the seventh house. We have war like conditions ahead of us. Both our neighbors are contributing to it. The Political leadership should have no doubts about it.

I am not going into to Mesh Parvesh, Karka Paravesh Charts which otherwise would reveal quite a lot.

At the moment, My heart cries for more than 25 dead and more than 1000's injured in the heart and capital of India, Delhi Area & New Delhi. It is bleeding us profusely and inundating worries. The strategy of bleeding from outer ares has reached the vital ares while our masters are busy making a fast buck. But for whom and to what end? The root of this lies across the border. Even if executed by so called terrorists/jihadis, the inspiration is near and aorund our neighbours. India can not and has never waged crusades and Jihad but we can also not remain a holy and innocent targets for someone's pleasure and mental madness. Any Indian whose heart lies somewhere else, be it China, USA or Pakistan or Malaysia, needs to deeply think about it. They shoudl give all their property and hard earned cash to me, to come up with a solution, to make me happy to concentrate and get a solution in the name of peace. We can not allow others to keep us bleeding for their stupid pleasures and fundamentalism and their Interests. We have done enough of it, and if they force a war on us let it be so. It is better to perish rather than live in a sate of servitude like this. I dont understand what I am writing, may be I sound mad! There are many well paid proponents of the theory of inaction in our society, elites and governing circles. I dare say loudly that they have failed utterly in execution of that game. Their strategy and tactics us cost us hell of a lot. Large fire has to be doused not by water by larger fire like explosives.

Let us all pray for the unity in religions and peace among brothers, after all we were born together as brothers and sisters.

Aswamedha Yaga (that is offering white horses in Yagnas would be the best purification ceremony, as detailed in Vedhas).

I hate the Headlines Today channel for showing the 12 year balloon vending boy's face, leagally not acceptable!

A SUMMARY OF THE TWELVE HOUSES

2008-09-12T10:51:00.001+05:30

The Twelve houses of the horoscope define twelve areas of our life. The beginning of each of the houses is called the cusp. The Cuspal Signlord is very important in K P System of Astrology, to divide the influence of 12 houses, related with the occupying planets and its significance (Placidius House System). So you get sub divisions and 249 options, to clarify events. Classic case of Twins study is an example, how twins do not exhibit same qualities. Each house has what is called a natural sign and natural ruling planets. This is the sign and planet which are associated with that house in the natural chart beginning with Aries and ending with Pisces.

The Astrodienst charts show another division of the houses. This division places the houses in groups that are on the angles, the angular (ang); houses that follow immediately behind each angular house, the succedent (suc) houses, and the third in line, the cadent (cad) houses. There are four each, angular, succedent, and cadent houses. Older books taught that planets in the angular houses were somewhat stronger and planets in the cadent houses were weaker in influence. Now little attention is paid to this idea.

Here are listed the twelve houses with the rulerships, classification and a brief summary of the area of life depicted there:

House	Classification	Natural sign	Planet Ruler	House Affairs
1st	Angular	Aries	Mars	The Ascendant. Your projected behavior, temperament, health, how you react to those around you, and your appearance.
2nd	Succedent	Taurus	Venus	Your material side. Security, gains, losses, financial condition and your concern about these matters.
3rd	Cadent	Gemini	Mercury	Your mental aptitudes, early childhood, everyday communication, your siblings, and early education.
4th	Angular	Cancer	Moon	Domestic affairs and conditions, the nurturing parent, the home, and the family life. The end of life.
5th	Succedent	Leo	Sun	Love affairs, procreation, your children, creative expression, luck and speculation.
6th	Cadent	Virgo	Mercury	The work environment, the employer and employees, the routine, health issues, hygiene.
7th	Angular	Libra	Venus	Marriage partner, business partners, contracts, joint endeavors.
8th	Succedent	Scorpio	Pluto	Attitude toward life/death, possessions of others, wills and legacies; sex and regeneration.
9th	Cadent	Sagittarius	Jupiter	Religion, philosophy, publishing, higher learning, distant travel, foreign countries.
10th	Angular	Capricorn	Saturn	Reputation, social status, fame or the lack of it, worldly standing, the other parent.
11th	Succedent	Aquarius	Uranus	Friends, clubs, organizations, associations, goals, hopes, and wishes
12th	Cadent	Pisces	Neptune	The subconscious mind, hidden resources, hidden problems, social responsibility.

The Twelve Houses

2008-09-12T10:45:00.001+05:30

The Babylonians were the first to set out the twelve houses used today by the majority of astrologers.

The houses were numbered from the east downward under the horizon, and represented areas of life on the following pattern with their areas of influence.

These are their traditional Latin names first with their translations followed by other associated influences:

1. Vita, Life ;
2. Lucrum, Profit and loss;
3. Fratres, Brothers;
4. Genitor, Parents;
5. Nati, Children ;
6. Valetudo, Health and illness;
7. Uxor, Spouse;
8. Mors, Death;
9. Iter, Journeys and journey-like undertakings such as religion or education;
10. Regnum, Kingdom and dignitaries;
11. Benefacta, Friendship
12. Carcer, Prison and enmity.

These represent the basic outline of the houses as they are still understood today. The twelve houses are traditionally interpreted as follows:

1st House (Aries) : House of Self. Physical appearance, traits and characteristics. First impressions. General outlook into the world. Ego. Beginnings and initiatives. Also known as the Ascendant or Rising Sign.

2nd House (Taurus) : House of Value. Material and immaterial things of certain value. Money. Belongings, property, acquisitions. Cultivation and growth. Substance. Self-Worth.

3rd House (Gemini): House of Communications. Lower education and childhood environment. Mental facilities. Siblings. Neighborhood matters. Short, local travel and transportations.

4th House (Cancer): House of Home and Family. Ancestry, heritage, roots. Early foundation and environment. Mother or mother figure. The caretaker of the household. Cyclic end of matters. Also known as Imum Coeli.

5th House (Leo): House of Pleasure. Recreational and leisure activities. Things which makes for enjoyment and entertainment. Games and gambling. Children. Love affairs and sex. Creative self-expression.

6th House (Virgo): House of Health. Routine tasks and duties. Skills or training acquired. Jobs and Employments. Health and overall well-being. Service performed for others. Caretaking. Pets and small domestic animals.

7th House (Libra): House of Partnerships. Close, confidante-like relationships. Marriage and business partners. Agreements and treaties. Matters dealing with diplomatic relations of all kinds, including open(known) enemies. Attraction to qualities we admire from the other partner. Also known as the Descendant.

8th House (Scorpio): House of Death and Sex. Cycles of Deaths And Rebirth. Sexual relationships and deeply committed relationships of all kinds. Joint funds, finances. Other person's resource. Occult, psychic and taboo matters. Regeneration. Self-transformation.

9th House (Sagittarius): House of Philosophy. Foreign travel and foreign countries. Culture. Long distance travels and journeys. Religion. Law and ethics. Higher education. Knowledge. Experience through expansion.

10th House (Capricorn): House of Social Status. Ambitions. Motivations. Career. Status in society. Government. Authority. Father or father figure. The breadwinner of the household. One's public appearance/impression at large(audience). Also known as Medium Coeli.

11th House (Aquarius): House of Friendships. Friends and acquaintances of like-minded attitudes. Groups, clubs and societies. Higher associations. Benefits and fortunes from career. One's hopes and wishes.

12th House (Pisces): House of Self-Undoing. Mysticism. Places of seclusion such as hospitals, prisons and institutions, including self-imposed imprisonments. Things which are not apparent to self, yet clearly seen by others. Elusive, clandestine, secretive or unbeknownst matters. Retreat, reflection and self-sacrifice. Unconscious/subconscious. Unknown enemies.

Many modern astrologers assume that the houses relate to their corresponding signs, i.e. that the first house has a natural affinity with the first sign, Aries, and so on. However, the discovery of a document called the Thema Mundi, or chart of the world, by Project Hindsight, suggests something different. In the chart of the world, the sign Cancer is on the ascendant, Leo is on the 2nd house, and so on. The Thema Mundi is the chart that is considered the key to the Helenistic system of astrology, from which much of modern astrology is derived, though at times inaccurately.

Who can predict the future other than GOD?

2008-09-11T14:44:00.001+05:30

Recently I have been inundated with lots of query regarding future etc.

I have pointed you all to two good groups, where you can find some truth.

What is Astrology?

It is a sheet calculation or Jathaka of planetary positions and influence.

How does planets influence?

From ancient days, it has been understood that certain positions of planets at the time of birth, influences one's aathma, the soul. So whatever movements that planet undergoes, it affects the Jathaka holder to the same extent.

For example, if there are two brothers, who are born with the same date and times of birth and place, (for sure, I have come across 2 such cases), why are they not rich like Ambani's?

Well Astrology shows, with planetary positions, about the input and output sahasa, and returns. If you sow nothing, you will get nothing only, not something. Same way, there was Dhirubai to help them out.... a baseline is created. I can guarantee that, yes for sure, the effects would be relative.

Is is true that Astrology shows the path correctly and accurately to take precaution?

Yes absolutely. Certain planetary influences can be malefic, so, you should be able to cushion the effect.

A friend of mine, dealing in lakhs in stock market, was worried about the Euphoria during Dec 2007 and sustenance. Markets fell like 35% and relatively his networth eroded.

Another friend of mine, you was dealing in crores, took my advice and moved 100% of risky investments out of stock market as of Jan 7th. The market hit the peak on Jan 8th and crashed on Jan 22nd. (Obviously historical data suggests, that Tuesdays are good for buying after 2.10PM). Now my friend is a proud owner of a mansion house, instead of an apartment. Cash in hand helped to get a property at half the market price.

(I am not taking free consultation cases. For a fee I can spend some time. Mail me for details.)

Karunanidhi and Astrology

2008-09-11T10:26:00.001+05:30

3 June 1924. Karunanidhi ( 3 June 1924 Thiruvaroor with Karaka lagna with Moon in Vrisha. No birth timings. Possibly 6.04PM)

The exalted fifth and tenth lord in the seventh tell three stories at once: his own rise, his son's rise and his marriages.

Ketu Mercury Ketu in Vimshottari In Chara dasha it is Mesha which has his Amatyakaraka aspecting the tenth house and Kumbha from where AK aspects the tenth house and is in turn aspected by Amatyakaraka . That favours him.

He may be a surprise winner but how long will be survive? The brief candle will burn once more. Will he cross 2008 ?

Sunrise ?

The double transit phenomenon fits in perfectly here with Jupiter and Saturn aspecting the tenth house from the lagna. But the exchange between the tenth lord Mars and the twelfth lord Mercury can also mean Karunanidhi deciding to stand down in favour of someone who can be his own son.

Ganesha Chathurthi Wishes!

2008-09-03T08:08:00.000+05:30

Ganesha Chathurthi Wishes!

Retrograde Jupiter

2008-09-01T10:42:00.000+05:30

Retrograde of JUPITER in 2008

From MAY 9, 2008 to SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

Jupiter is the biggest planet and has a very important place in Vedic
astrology. It got retrograde on 9th May 2008 and will get direct on 8th Sept 2008.
Retrograde Jupiter leads to introspection of one own self. Inner
awareness and inner growth is what starts to take place. Evaluation
starts for the previous deeds and conducts. It is a time suitable for
self improvement and personal integrity. It's a time to evaluate ones
honesty with own self. What ever which had been left behind by way of
pending and incomplete work and seems to be a failure project,
restarts with a high success rate. All the opportunities which come
in the way when Jupiter gets retrograde are usually the outcome of
past spade work done. People who have retrograde Jupiter in their
horoscope are capable to revive projects those are shut down. They
can be good negotiators and arbitrators for pending problems which
may appear difficult.

On the other hand new business projects should not be taken up in
this period of retrograde Jupiter as it might turn out to be more of
a charitable work. Retrograde Jupiter is more spiritual, religious
and philosophical. Philosophical creative works turn out to be
excellent. All previous Jupitarian projects such as teaching,
introspection, religious jobs and works related to institutions,
temples etc. can be taken up. Projects involving humanitarian
activities yields excellent results. People should perform religious
rites and observe austerities, divert their senses towards worship,
praise, and offer service to God. Material pleasures will get no
return whereas spiritual gains will fetch prosperity, peace and
others rewards – though this being the real fact always but present
time is more suited.

Yes, if you have an old, stale, dying or dead relationship, and you
want to bring it back on track, this is the time to give your last
try because if it has to come back it is possible when Jupiter is
retrograde. It is a time to restore any project or relationship that
is failing.

(So you have 8 days to plan it out right!)

Tree Astrology

2008-08-29T10:37:00.000+05:30

Tree Astrology

1. Find what tree you are according to your birthday. If you birthday is one of the border dates, read both the one your birth date falls in and the one before or after it depending on when it is. Ex. If you birthday is January 12, Read Elm Tree and Fir Tree. If you birthday is Feb. 18, read Cedar tree and Pine tree.

2. Go below the Chart to read about your tree.

Dec.23 to Jan.1	Apple Tree	June 25 to July 4	Apple Tree
January 2 to Jan. 11	Fir Tree	July 5 to July 14	Fir Tree
Jan. 12 to Jan. 24	Elm Tree	July 15 to July 25	Elm Tree
January 25 to Feb.3	Cypress Tree	July 26 to August 4	Cypress Tree
Feb. 4 to Feb. 8	Poplar Tree	August 5 to Aug.13	Poplar Tree
Feb. 9 to Feb.18	Cedar Tree	August 14 to Aug. 23	Cedar Tree
Feb. 19 to Feb.28	Pine Tree	August 24 to Sept.2	Pine Tree
March 1 to Mar. 10	Weeping Willow Tree	Sept. 3 to Sept.12	Weeping Willow Tree
March 11 to Mar. 20	Lime Tree	Sept.13 to Sept. 22	Lime Tree
March 21	Oak Tree	September 23	Olive Tree
March 22 to Mar.31	Hazelnut Tree	Sept. 24 to Oct. 3	Hazelnut Tree
April 1 to April 10	Rowan Tree	October 4 to Oct.13	Rowan Tree
April 11 to April 20	Maple Tree	October 14 to Oct.23	Maple Tree
April 21 to April 30	Walnut Tree	October 24 to Nov. 11	Walnut Tree
May 1 to May 14	Poplar Tree	Nov. 12 to Nov. 21	Chestnut Tree
May 15 to May 24	Chestnut Tree	Nov.22 to Dec. 1	Ash Tree
May 25 to June 3	Ash Tree	Dec. 2 to Dec.11	Hornbeam Tree
June 4 to June 13	Hornbeam Tree	Dec.12 to Dec.21	Fig Tree
June 14 to June 23	Fig Tree	Dec.22	Beech Tree
June 24	Birch Tree

3. Choose your tree to learn more about yourself:
Apple Tree (the Love)
Of slight build, lots of charm, appeal and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a care free philosopher with imagination.

Ash Tree (the Ambition)
Uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with its fate, can be egoistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over heart, but takes partnership very serious.

Beech (the Creative)
Has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialist, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch (the Inspiration)
Vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar (the Confidence)
Of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, wants to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy
optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (the Honesty)
Of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritate and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self-confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood, loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.

Cypress (the Faithfulness)
Strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, happy content, optimistic, needs enough money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness,passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic and careless.

Elm Tree (the Noble-Minuteness)
Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends to not forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, tends to know-all-attitude and making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical

Fig Tree (the Sensibility)
Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.

Fir Tree (the Mysterious)
Extraordinary taste, dignity, cultivated airs, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to it, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious uncounted lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable.

Hazelnut Tree (the Extraordinary)
Charming, undermining, Very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody and capricious lover, honest and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.

Hornbeam (the Good Taste)
Of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, tends to egoism, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads reasonable, disciplined life, looks for kindness, an emotional partner and acknowledgment, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with his/her feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very consciences.

Lime Tree (the Doubt)
Accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress and labor, tends to laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous, loyal.

Maple Tree (the Independence of Mind)
No ordinary person, full imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-respect, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, many complexes, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to express.

Oak Tree (the Robust Nature)
Courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not love changes, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (the Wisdom)
Loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (the Particularity)
Loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, many disappointments till it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.

Poplar (the Uncertainty)
Looks very decorative, no self-confident behavior, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership serious.

Rowan (the Sensitivity)
Full of charm, cheerful, gifted, without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (the Passion)
Unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egoistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromises.

Weeping Willow (the Melancholy)
Beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.

Skanda (Kandasamy) is patron God of Astrology

2008-08-27T15:20:00.000+05:30

Skanda (Kandasamy) is considered as the patron god of astrology by many.

By different schools of astrology different gods are considered as the patron god of astrology. Patron god of astrology as per variosu schools are - Skanda (Kandasamy) as per Arsha school, Brahma as per Jain and Yavana schools, Siva as per Tantric tradition, Brahma as per Vedic culture (patron god of Tropical astrology.

There are also traditions/schools that consider Surya, Vishnu or Sakti (Mother goddess) as the patron god of astrology.

Kerala tradition is the continuation of Arsha tradition and considers Skanda as the patron god of astrology.

Skanda Hora, the first authentic text of Ancient Astrology was supposed to be taught by Skanda (Kandasamy) to Brahma. In the ancient past onwards the worship of Skanda (Kandasamy) was popular thoughout India, Skanda (Kandasamy) temples are found throughout India.
* Kartikeyan is the war god of many cults.
* Skanda (Kandasamy) is the war god of Abhira tribes.
* Murugan is the traditional god of Dravidian people of South India, especially Tamilnadu.

(Note that Siva, Vishnu, Skanda (Kandasamy) , Brahma and all co-exist. It is the state of mind.)

The following website had useful resource of articles http://www.murugan.org/research/index.htm

Ramayana and Mahabharata

2008-08-26T11:52:00.000+05:30

On the basis of the detailed astrological information on Lord Rama's birth, as given in the puranic Adhyatma Ramayana, a later day text composed by Vedavyasa, it appears to me that Lord Rama's was born about 9300 years ago. The Horoscope given in Valmiki Ramayana is true for BC 157, based on places etc.

Further here is mention of the Ramayana events in the Mahabharata and the reverse is not seen, which proves that the Ramayana events occurred before the events of the Mahabharata. Simple. No linkups or hookups. Why bothers, other than get the best out of them? Well significance does not create any flutter.

This might be true. The mention of Ramayana events is present in Mahabharata and the mention of Mahabharata events are present in Ramayana. Thus based on this kind of reference we shall not reach any such conclusion.

OK, now the facts..... Kanhai avatar. Criss cross. Timeline?

Ganesh Chathurthi

2008-08-26T11:00:00.001+05:30

The Sanskrit word for Ganesha means one who is the Isha (Lord) of the Ganas (Angelic army). He has incredible intelligence and his strategies are matchless. He was created in the mythological time by the mother Goddess from her own body. Not knowing who he was, the Angelic army fought with him and Ganesha killed everyone who came to fight.
Finally Lord Siva himself interfered and beheaded Ganesha. Later, knowing that he was the son of the Mother Goddess who is his own wife, Siva revived Ganesha. He placed an elephant head on Ganeshas body and made him the Lord of his Divine army.
This Ganesha's birthday falls on wednesday while the moon transits the sign Virgo signifying the sixth house of zodiac. The sixth house signifies the wealth derived from service, profession, business and the status of operations in an organisation. Moreover the planet Ketu, whose overlord is Lord Ganesha is placed in the 11th house to virgo signifying total gains and ultimate blessings to the rituals done. This rare cosmic imprint occurring during Ganesh Chaturthi will help you to realize all material dreams. The star on the day is Chitra which is the second star to Ganesha's birthstar Hastha, indicating absolute blessings for all wealth creation.

Astrology and Maya gives GOD

2008-08-22T14:18:00.001+05:30

Astrology is said to be an incomplete knowledge; science only gives us half truth. There are instances and incidences which astrology doesn't understand and science will not comprehend. Can we explain all behaviors, mechanics, and principles of common or uncommon occurrences through astrology and ancient knowledge, or we have to look up to modern science, or get into the fields of quantum physics or metaphysics, mystics or just leave it to God? Or else, it is time we learn to integrate all existing knowledge as there must be a governing principle, a reason behind every happening.

There are a trillion such things we observe and marvel at everyday. Suppose we talk about distance. We know that distance is measured in metres, kilometers, even light years… but what is distance? We see no concept of distance when we compare the astrological impacts of sun and moon. When we hold the nakshatras as responsible for our innate being, we don't see how far they are from us. The same applies for two local bodies, people on the planet, living near or far, each one must be impacting the other. We all understand the positive-negative vibes, the interactions, the telepathy, the love and hate between the people. Astrologically, we try to find these meanings in the planetary positions at birth of the two bodies. How and why do we relate to each other in the manner we do? This is one such question, among the many, we ask everyday.

When West was sufficiently intrigued, including Einstein, it came up with Quantum Physics and metaphysics which dealt in the 'may be' or 'could be' of science.

Einstein told us that there was no concept as distance. All objects intersect each other. Any action simply becomes an interaction because of this intersection of two objects. This becomes identical with the coordinate system extending infinitely and astrology giving us a basis for non-local interaction with heavenly bodies. This also becomes the basis of individual equations then.

What do our bodies represent? The theory says that all existence is in the form of sub-space particles in the sub-space plasma. The laws show that force, field, and energy are geometric properties directly related to quantum geometry. The sub-space particles demonstrate the necessary measures, conditions, constraints and conditions which explains wave-like behaviour and the particle like behaviour. Hence we explain the interaction between two people. When we remain in particle form, we do not interact from a distance. When we assume wave form, distance is lost.

Einstein says: A human being is part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive.

Physical objects are not in space, but these objects are spatially extended. Effectively, matter, space and universe are one and the same thing, which leads us to the theory of relativity. Theory of relativity in one sentence would mean that time and space and gravitation have no separate existence from matter. The Metaphysics of Space and Motion and the Wave Structure of Matter (WSM) explains this necessary connection between matter, forces, space and time, and thus how matter is connected across the universe.

In his famous equation outlining the equivalence of mass and energy, Einstein proved that the energy in any particle of matter is equal to its mass or weight multiplied by the square of the velocity of light. The release of the atomic energies is brought about through the annihilation of the material particles. Light-velocity is a mathematical standard or constant not because there is an absolute value in 186,000 miles a second, but because no material body, whose mass increases with its velocity, can ever attain the velocity of light. Stated another way: only a material body whose mass is infinite could equal the velocity of light.

Einstein had mathematically proved something which our enlightened masters had experienced and demonstrated many a times in the past. The ancient yoga philosophy seemed to be saying much the same thing about reality as the emerging Quantum Theory. I quote here from one of the masters who I love, admire and remain devoted to. I am sure many of you would know him.

"I sat on my bed in the lotus posture. My room was dimly lit by two shaded lamps. Lifting my gaze, I noticed that the ceiling was dotted with small mustard-colored lights, scintillating and quivering with a radium like luster. Myriads of pencilled rays, like sheets of rain, gathered into a transparent shaft and poured silently upon me.

At once my physical body lost its grossness and became metamorphosed into astral texture. I felt a floating sensation as, barely touching the bed, the weightless body shifted slightly and alternately to left and right. I looked around the room; the furniture and walls were as usual, but the little mass of light had so multiplied that the ceiling was invisible. I was wonder-struck.

"This is the cosmic motion picture mechanism." A voice spoke as though from within the light. "Shedding its beam on the white screen of your bed sheets, it is producing the picture of your body. Behold, your form is nothing but light!"

I gazed at my arms and moved them back and forth, yet could not feel their weight. An ecstatic joy overwhelmed me. This cosmic stem of light, blossoming as my body, seemed a divine replica of the light beams streaming out of the projection booth in a cinema house and manifesting as pictures on the screen.

For a long time I experienced this motion picture of my body in the dimly lighted theater of my own bedroom. Despite the many visions I have had, none was ever more singular. As my illusion of a solid body was completely dissipated, and my realization deepened that the essence of all objects is light, I looked up to the throbbing stream of life-trons and spoke entreatingly.

"Divine Light, please withdraw this, my humble bodily picture, into Thyself, even as Elijah was drawn up to heaven by a flame."

This prayer was evidently startling; the beam disappeared. My body resumed its normal weight and sank on the bed; the swarm of dazzling ceiling lights flickered and vanished. My time to leave this earth had apparently not arrived…"

We owe a lot of our understanding to these enlightened souls... about our universe, both physical and biological as well as those unseen forms which we witness at times, such as in our dream state and altered states of our being.

So far, I had been discussing 'How'. Still there is a big question of why? For this I would like to quote again from the same master,

"To surmount MAYA was the task assigned to the human race by the millennial prophets. To rise above the duality of creation and perceive the unity of the Creator was conceived of as man's highest goal. Those who cling to the cosmic illusion must accept its essential law of polarity: flow and ebb, rise and fall, day and night, pleasure and pain, good and evil, birth and death. This cyclic pattern assumes a certain anguishing monotony, after man has gone through a few thousand human births; he begins to cast a hopeful eye beyond the compulsions of MAYA."

Horary versus natal Astrology in KP System

2008-08-19T16:00:00.000+05:30

"This branch (Hororary Astrology) of science is mysterious, perfect, wonderful and most useful. After thoroughly understanding the principles , one can offer correct, clear and precise predictions without any confusion. This helps the astrologer to confirm what prediction he has to give by using other methods (such as Reading Birth/Natal Charts etc.) which, when explained, will convince and satisfy the consultant." KP Reader VI

Personally I do believe that Hororary astrology can be taken as a supportive tool, to confirm any matter indicated in the natal chart, provided the"urge to know" is present during Hororary prediction.

As found in a group on the net.

Predictive Astrology Techniques

2008-08-19T11:34:00.000+05:30

Predictive Astrology Techniques:

Techniques for Preparing for the Future and Understanding the Past

Most astrologers use a variety of techniques to "look into the future" of an individual. There are plenty of techniques used to make predictions for—and plan for—the future. Here, we share our preferred techniques—transits, secondary progressions, solar arc directions, solar return charts, and more. Transits, for example, challenge and pressure us to make changes in our lives and in our attitudes toward our lives. They bring us joy and sometimes sorrow—they pull out parts of ourselves and "force" us to face them. Secondary progressions reveal our cycles of maturity and growth, showing us how our personalities unfold.

Transits & Cycles

Our natal chart is very much like a snapshot of the sky at the moment we took our first breath. We carry our natal chart with us through the entire course of our lives, even though the planets and luminaries continue their movement and cycles. However, as the planets and points move ahead, they form special relationships to the planets and points in our individual natal charts.

So, for example, if my Sun in my natal chart is at 25 degrees Virgo, and Saturn is moving towards that same degree of Gemini (25 degrees of Gemini), Saturn is said to be transiting square my natal Sun. Similarly, if Saturn is in 25 degrees Gemini, I can look in my natal chart to see where Saturn would fall in terms of house position. If that degree of Gemini is found in my 3rd house, then I would know that Saturn is transiting through my 3rd house.

It is not our aim here to offer tutorials on the technical aspects of transits. We will assume a basic knowledge of the technique so that we can move ahead to interpretation of transits.

Transits act to stimulate what is already there! In other words, they highlight and trigger parts of our own psychological make-up.

Outer Planets First, Inner Planets Later

With transits, it is generally best to first look at the outer planet (slower-moving) transits and cycles in order to get an overview and a "context" before refining our predictions with inner planet cycles and transits. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Determine "where a person is at" in an overall achievement sense by looking to where transiting Saturn is by house. Read more about Saturn Transiting Through the Houses.
2. Note whether transiting Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto are making major aspects to the individual's natal Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Ascendant, or Mid heaven.
3. Determine Saturn's transits.
4. Look to the Jupiter cycle—where is transiting Jupiter by house, and what aspects does it make to natal planets?

Working "outside in" is best because this way one gets a broader overview of the longer-lasting transits and conditions. This provides better context for the refinements that the inner planet transits offer us.

Outer planet transits affect us in large chunks—they can be active before the transit is exact by aspect, but we have seen the following: Many times an outer planet transits our natal point once by direct motion, moves forward and then retrogrades back over that point, only to turn direct again and pass that same natal point for the final time in that cycle. Generally, the seeds of the transit are being sown in the first part of this cycle (when the transiting planet first "hits" our natal point), and the "problem" or crisis reaches a head during the middle part of this cycle (when the transiting planet retrogrades back over the point). Finally, the situation is resolved around the time the transiting planet moves over our natal point for the final time in the cycle. Note: we often "see" or "feel" some sense of imminent resolution when the transiting planet goes direct after its retrograde period, before it passes again over our transited point. If our experience of the transit has been a crisis, then we feel marked release at this point. This is likely because a planet going direct after a period of retro gradation is symbolic, in general, of resolve.

In order to understand overall trends and movements in a person's life, you may also consider the outer planets' transits through the houses: Jupiter transits the houses, Saturn transits the houses, Uranus transits the houses, Neptune transits the houses, and Pluto transits the houses.

Inner Planet Transits: Power Days, Cycles of Activity, and More

Here are some interesting points to take into account:

1. When transiting Moon conjuncts the natal Sun (monthly): These are generally considered "power days".
2. The 2-Year Mars Cycle—Energy Cycle. When transiting Mars nears the sign of your natal Mars, your personal energy increases. Energy wanes as Mars moves away from the sign of your natal Mars and is at its lowest when it transits the opposing sign. For example, if your Mars is in Sagittarius, as transiting Mars moves from Gemini through to Sagittarius, your personal energy increases until it reaches a peak at Sagittarius. When Mars transits the signs following Sagittarius, personal energy decreases until it reaches a low when Mars is in Gemini.
3. When the New Moon contacts a natal planet or point: This suggests a renewed focus in that area of life for a period of approximately one month. If, for example, the New Moon conjuncts our natal Venus, we will experience a "fresh start" and a new perspective in Venus matters (such as love and money). It is also illuminating to interpret the placement of the New Moon by house.

Moon eclipse on August 16

2008-08-16T21:59:00.001+05:30

A partial eclipse of the Moon will take place on August 16. The entire eclipse will be visible in most of Europe and Africa, and partially visible in South America and Australia. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. Eclipses always come in pairs, and this eclipse follows the dramatic solar eclipse of August 1.

Eclipses are like big exclamation points and since this eclipse is in Aquarius, a sign that is focused on the workings of the larger group or community, expect confusing leadership situations, power struggles and sharp words. In addition to the heightened emotions of this full Moon, an active pattern of planetary aspects also adds drama to this eclipse. The placement of Aquarius in your personal chart will define how it impacts your life over the next five months.

If Aquarius is in your First or Seventh House, the eclipse will signal a period of personal development and growth. And if Aquarius is in your Seventh House, the focus will be on growth and development in your relationships.

An eclipse in the Second House will always make you more aware of your attachments: the things that you believe that you cannot survive without. But an eclipse in the Eighth House highlights your responsibilities to others: both physically and emotionally.

When occurring in the Third House, you will be forced to confront fears and your communication style. And in the Ninth House, you will be forced to consider the bigger picture of your life. How do you want to grow and expand?

In the Fifth or Eleventh House, the focus on the next five months will be on issues of individual expression and group participation. In the Fifth House, the eclipse will stir up the creative urge, or represent changes in relationships with children or with casual romances. Eclipses in the Eleventh House can often indicate changes in relationships with our peers and friends.

If Aquarius occupies your Sixth or Twelfth House, the focus over the next five months will be on your health -- both physical and spiritual. Eclipses in the Sixth House often make you aware of your physical needs and illness, while in the Twelfth House, they highlight religious or spiritual needs.